WPR Articles 19 Oct 2013 - 25 Oct 2013

The Realist Prism: U.S. Must Be Prepared for Change in Global Partnerships

By: Nikolas Gvosdev | Column

Washington got two important reminders this week that it cannot take anything for granted in today’s international environment. First, Saudi Arabia’s intelligence chief reportedly warned of a “major shift” in relations with the U.S. Then, India and China announced an agreement designed to defuse border tensions. Both moves underscore that in a more chaotic, G-Zero world, all sides are going to hedge their bets.

Strategic Gambles: The Diplomatic Stakes of American Retrenchment

By: Nikolas Gvosdev | Feature

Even before recent events crystallized growing concerns that, after 70 years of global leadership, U.S. influence in the world has begun to recede, the Defense Strategic Guidance of January 2012 had aimed to prioritize American interests, indicating where the U.S. would be willing to accept greater risk by scaling back its presence and commitments. Implicit in the DSG was a series of strategic gambles. So far, the jury remains out on whether these gambles will turn out as expected.

Ukraine’s Yanukovych Caught Between Russia and the European Union

By: Steven Pifer | Briefing

Since assuming the presidency in early 2010, Victor Yanukovych has sought to avoid having to choose between the European Union and Moscow. On one issue, however, he could not avoid a choice: Should Ukraine conclude an association agreement, including a deep and comprehensive free trade arrangement, with the European Union, or should it instead join a customs union with Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan?

Burgeoning ASEAN-Japan Relations Hold Promise for Wider Region

By: Prashanth Parameswaran | Briefing

At the latest round of Asian summitry in Brunei and Indonesia, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe continued his impressive efforts to shore up relations with the countries of Southeast Asia. But despite the inroads that Japan has made in Southeast Asia, both sides will have to seize additional opportunities and navigate past several challenges in order to boost cooperation to an even higher level.

Diplomatic Fallout: Saudi Arabia’s Security Council Move More Than Just a Stunt

By: Richard Gowan | Column

Saudi Arabia’s refusal to join the Security Council can easily be interpreted as a signal of discontent with Washington’s recent choices over the Middle East. But it must also be seen in the context of Riyadh’s long-running efforts to shape multilateral diplomacy over the Syrian crisis. The decision not to continue this campaign inside the council suggests the Saudis have concluded that the strategy has failed.

Read more at World Politics Review.