WPR Articles 14 Apr 2012 - 20 Apr 2012

The New Rules: Globalization in a Post-Hegemonic World

By: Thomas P.M. Barnett | Column

For a brief moment, while China held up the global economy during the recent financial crisis, many argued that we were on the verge of a Chinese century. But that popular vision waned surprisingly quickly, and now the conventional wisdom centers on China’s great weaknesses. Amazingly, where we spoke of a U.S.-China “G-2” just a few years ago, now there is a sense that no one is in charge.

Global Insights: Russian-NATO Arms Control Deadlocks Lower Summit Ambitions

By: Richard Weitz | Column

As NATO member states prepare for next month’s heads-of-state summit in Chicago, the alliance faces a number of difficult decisions on a variety of issues that will determine its deterrence and defense posture moving forward. And while NATO is often stymied by internal divisions among its members, in this case the major obstacle to any bold policy shifts is disagreement with a nonmember: Russia.

Nigeria-South Africa Tensions Leave African Leadership Gap

By: Chris Landsberg | Briefing

Relations between South Africa and Nigeria have long resembled a rollercoaster without a safety bar. While Africa’s first- and third-largest economies, respectively, have shared a close relationship, it is one marked by volatility and tension. And during the past three years, this critical bilateral relationship has begun to wobble dangerously, finding itself today in need of urgent détente.

South Korea Stays the Course in Parliamentary Elections

By: Steven Borowiec | Briefing

In the months leading up to South Korea’s April 11 parliamentary elections, it looked like the liberal opposition was poised for an easy victory driven by voters who were sick of corruption and income inequality and in search of something new. Instead, voters bolstered the majority of the ruling New Frontier Party, signifying a shift back to conservative tendencies in the country’s electorate.

Ballistic Missile Defense an Essential Element of India's Strategic Calculus

By: Yogesh Joshi | Briefing

Many strategic analysts contend that instead of bolstering India’s security, New Delhi’s pursuit of ballistic missile defense might jeopardize its defense, primarily because India's BMD efforts have created extreme paranoia in the Pakistani defense and security establishment. For a number of reasons, however, India sees BMD as an essential element of its national security and foreign policy.

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'Frozen' Transnistria Conflict Begins to Thaw

By: Matthew Rojansky | Briefing

The tragic shooting of a young Moldovan man by a Russian peacekeeper on New Year's Day was a fitting reminder that the so-called frozen conflict over Transnistria should no longer be ignored by regional powers. Over the past year, governments in both Moldova and Transnistria have undergone major changes that are likely to improve the lives of ordinary people and hold real promise for conflict resolution.

The Road to Baghdad: Preparing for the Next Round of Iran Nuclear Talks

By: Laura Rozen | Briefing

International negotiators declared the talks with Iran a success, noting the constructive stance adopted by the Iranian delegation compared to previous meetings. However, the talks avoided going into specifics on substance for fear of derailing the accomplishment of getting back to the negotiating table. And many details still have to be worked out before the parties meet again in Baghdad late next month.

CTBT or Not, Nuclear Test Detection and Monitoring Remains Critical

By: Philip E. Coyle | Briefing

The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty is not the only compelling reason for the U.S. to devote the necessary resources to nuclear test monitoring around the world. Nuclear test detection capabilities are indispensible with or without a CTBT. Given the world’s justifiable concern about nuclear proliferation, the U.S. should be sure that it maintains the ability to detect surprise nuclear tests.

Abu Muqawama: U.S. Intel in the Dark Over Israel's Iran Plans

By: Andrew Exum | Column

Despite being Israel’s closest ally in the world, the U.S. has no idea whether or not Israel will attack Iran -- an action that could have enormous consequences for U.S. interests in the region. Some might argue that this uncertainty represents a diplomatic failure on the part of the United States. For now, though, I want to focus on the intelligence failure that this uncertainty represents.

World Citizen: With Economic Rise, China Feels the Burden of Power

By: Frida Ghitis | Column

China’s record of economic growth is shifting the global balance of power and creating a new environment in which Beijing faces pressure from the West to play a constructive role on the world stage. Often, the U.S. and China stand on opposite sides of disputes involving third nations, prompting a curious diplomatic dance -- one that will become a more prominent feature of international diplomacy.

The Realist Prism: To Reset Latin America Policy, U.S. Must Think Big

By: Nikolas Gvosdev | Column

The disastrous Summit of the Americas last weekend underscored the fact that U.S. relations with Latin America are adrift. The Obama administration has not articulated a clear, compelling and convincing vision for what the end state of a Western Hemispheric partnership would look like. There is no lack of compelling possibilities to choose from, but they would all require political will and follow-up.

From Trend Lines:

South China Sea Sovereignty Disputes Prevent Progress on Preserving Fisheries

Criticisms of EU's Ashton Ignore Member-States' Role in Undermining Common Policy

Global Insider: Iraq-Qatar Thaw Fails to Materialize

Global Insider: At Last Japan's Defense Industry Rejoins the World

Global Insider: Mexico-Mercosur Auto Moves

Global Insider: Taiwanese President's Stopover in India Sign of a Warming Trend