By Dr. Heinrich Matthee 10/08/2010 - Iran’s leadership has been under severe pressure during the past twelve months. Infighting among the political elite and persistent popular protests since the presidential elections of 12 June 2009 are still fuelling tensions. Outside Iran, the US has increased pressure, with US Secretary of…
By Dr. Richard Weitz 09/30/2010 On August 17, the U.S. Department of Defense released its latest edition of its annual assessment of China’s military capabilities, intentions, and behavior to the U.S. Congress.(...) When one considers the recent reports collectively, one prominent theme is the growing strength of the Chinese Navy.
By Dr. Robbin Laird 09/30/2010 A global shift in manufacturing capability towards China, a significant investment by China in global commodities and the enhanced presence of China on the world stage are all significant developments. When married to a growing investment in the development and fielding of military capabilities, something…
By Dr. Richard Weitz 09/30/2010 Another theme in this year’s DoD report on the Chinese military is its appeal to China to make its military programs and objectives considerably more transparent by disclosing more data and engaging in more comprehensive military exchanges with the U.S. armed forces. Although acknowledging “modest…
By Dr. Harald Malmgren 09/30/2010 Resurgence in economic nationalism and protectionism is unfolding in the US. President Obama’s bold promise to “double US exports in the next five years” has raised many eyebrows, as questions multiply about how this might be achieved.
By Harry Syringas What happens when a country faces its worst financial crisis in the past few years and asks other Euro Zone states and the International Monetary Fund for loans? The defense budget, which up to now has been hardly scrutinized, cannot be an exception.
By Richard McCormack One American company selling a widely produced global product that the U.S. government says could be used by rogue states against American national security interests has found a way around U.S. government export controls. Zoltek Corp., a St. Louis-based manufacturer of carbon-fiber, uses its factory in Hungary…
By Dr. Robbin Laird Much of the Iraq withdrawal conversation has revolved around either the date of U.S. departure or protecting Americans left behind. Missing from the debate is arguably the most important strategic questions: * How will Iraqi security be guaranteed during Iraq's continuing transition? * What U.S. security…
