World Politics Review Articles 29 Dec 2012 - 04 Jan 2013

WPR Articles 29 Dec 2012 - 04 Jan 2013

Strategic Horizons: When Generals Shape National Policy

By: Steven Metz | Column

With large-scale U.S. military involvement in Iraq receding in the rearview mirror, and Afghanistan soon to follow, debate is raging over the lessons Americans should draw from a decade of counterinsurgency. One of the most important debates is a re-examination of American civil-military relations, especially the involvement of senior military leaders in building public support for counterinsurgency campaigns.

U.S. Debates Framework for Counterterror Operations in Africa

By: Peter Tinti | Briefing

As U.S. counterterrorism officials seek greater capability to combat terrorist groups in Africa, the Obama administration is considering asking Congress for expanded authority to allow military operations in places such as Mali, Nigeria and Libya, where perceived threats to U.S. security are proliferating. Disagreements remain, however, regarding the nature of these threats and how best to engage them.

Facing an Aggressive China, Japan's Abe May Turn to Taiwan

By: Jens Kastner | Briefing

Relations with Taiwan might not be high on the list of priorities for incoming Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, given the dismal state of the Japanese economy. However, continued tensions with Beijing could make Taipei a valuable partner for Tokyo. Yet it’s uncertain whether Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou’s Kuomintang government will be receptive to opportunities to improve relations with Japan.

World Citizen: At Long Last, Mexico's Bright Future

By: Frida Ghitis | Column

Mexico has long suffered from a combination of problems, some of which produced bad press along with a hard-to-erase negative image. The problems have been real, but the reality is more nuanced, and much less dark. In fact, Mexico stands poised to take a leap of prosperity -- as long as its new president, Enrique Peña Nieto, manages to harness the favorable conditions the country currently enjoys.

In Hong Kong, a Weakened Chief Executive Opens the Door to Beijing

By: Catherine Cheney | Trend Lines

On Tuesday, tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Hong Kong to demand the resignation of Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, who has faced mounting public discontent with his rule since winning office six months ago in an election in which most of Hong Kong’s citizens could not vote.

Israel's Iron Dome System Leaves Key Threats Unanswered

By: Guy Ben-Ari | Briefing

Although Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted its first missile in April 2011, it officially came of age last November during Operation Pillar of Defense, the latest iteration of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. But if the technological breakthroughs and military advantages gained in fielding the system have rightly attracted attention, other issues have been ignored.

The Realist Prism: A G-Zero Washington for a G-Zero World

By: Nikolas Gvosdev | Column

The secret fear of America’s rivals abroad has been that Washington would get its financial house in order and lay the groundwork for a sustained recovery, at a time when America’s nearest peer competitor, China, is poised for a possible slowdown of its own economy. They can all rest a bit easier now knowing that the U.S. is likely to remain mired in its own political and economic crises.

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