Backgrounders
Backgrounder
While many western observers would point to violent secessionism in Kashmir as the direst threat to Indian national security, the government of India has identified the Maoist-inspired Naxalite insurgency as its most significant security challenge
Backgrounder
This backgrounder will examine the international nuclear nonproliferation regime; specifically the origins, benefits, and drawbacks of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Increasingly obvious loopholes and a looming NPT review conference in May are coming together to make 2010 a watershed year for the nuclear nonproliferation regime.
Backgrounder
American decline has once again become a fashionable prophecy in academic and media circles. This time, BRIC countries like China and India have replaced the specter of a rising Japan, the country that was often cited by ‘declinists’ as a challenger to American hegemony during the 1980s. This backgrounder will examine both sides of the debate and provide an objective analysis of the causes and possible effects of American decline.
Backgrounder
With the exception of an uptick in protests during Ashura, Mir Hossein Mousavi’s challenge to the Iranian political establishment has faded from the international spotlight since the open dissidence of last June. However, Iran remains a society divided. This backgrounder covers the people and events that are shaping Iran’s reform movement.
Backgrounder
In the words of the U.S Overseas Basing Commission, U.S. military bases are, “the skeleton upon which the flesh and muscle of operational capability [can be] molded [1].”
Backgrounder
The status of Taiwan stands out among global disputes as one that could realistically trigger a war between major powers. This backgrounder will first provide a brief historical overview of the conflict and then explore the changing military situation.
Backgrounder
AFRICOM facilitates the United States advancing on the African continent, taking control of the Eurasian continent and proceeding to take the helm of the entire globe.
Backgrounder
This report explores what is sure to become one of the most salient issues of the coming decade - the energy security outlook for BRIC countries.
Backgrounder
This backgrounder explores the rise of the Pakistan Taliban.
Backgrounder
This backgrounder seeks to explore the origins and breadth of American torture during the Bush presidency by compiling all relevant information from recently de-classified memos and reports.