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Commentary
Raising the Stakes
The UN's approval of a no-fly zone over Libya has raised the diplomatic and strategic stakes for all parties - but will it be enough?18 Mar 2011
Assessing the UN Security Council Resolution on Libya
In the first of four videos, RUSI experts offer their assessment of UN Security Council Resolution 1973, declaring, amongst other things, a No Fly Zone over Libya.19 Mar 2011
'Do Something' Is Not A Strategy
The UN Resolution was the news many were waiting to hear - and Qadhafi's announcement of a ceasefire seems to have vindicated calls for intervention. But is this merely the first phase of an ill-conceived, protracted conflict? 18 Mar 2011
Assessing Bulwark
RUSI's Lee Willett assesses the capabilities of HMS Bulwark and its potential to be deployed in humanitarian operations such as in Libya and Japan.18 Mar 2011
The endgame in Bahrain: Saudi and UAE troops enter Manama
Saudi Arabia and the UAE have intervened in Bahrain to restore stability. Yet, there is a real sense of fear that in their haste to avoid allowing a precedent to be set and to prevent any potential Iranian interference, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi's actions may well precipitate these very outcomes.16 Mar 2011
Bahrain: At risk of a proxy sectarian war?
Instability in Bahrain could develop into widespread sectarian violence, with potentially disastrous consequences for regional and global security. Concessions and preventative reform can ensure such a devastating path is avoided.14 Mar 2011
The Feasible Option for Libya
A no-fly zone is mired in political obstacles. Those states with a moral and strategic interest in forestalling a Qadhafi victory ought to step around that diplomatic morass. Assistance to the rebels - even non-lethal and non-tangible - is a feasible and effective option.14 Mar 2011
Assessing British Diplomacy in Libya and the Middle East
Dr Jonathan Eyal on the UK's 'jerky policy' towards unrest in the Middle East, the complete lack of any contingency planning within the FCO, and the importance of accepting that there is no such thing as 'the Arab exceptionalism'.10 Mar 2011
Cyber-Security: International Controls and Standards
William Hague's speech at the Munich Security Conference highlighted the importance of cyber-security in international relations, and raised questions of an appropriate international response to the increasingly viable threat8 Mar 2011
Epistolary Revolt: The Crisis in French Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
The recent public questioning of French foreign policy comes at an inconvenient time for President Sarkozy, and has done nothing to reassure the French people of their nation's continued global influence.4 Mar 2011
Unrest in the Middle East and North Africa: Implications for the International Terrorist Threat
Many claim that the revolutionary arc engulfing the Middle East will challenge terrorist groups and their narrative. But this ignores how groups might exploit the crisis to strengthen their positions and pose a more potent and sophisticated threat to the UK than they do at the moment.4 Mar 2011
ARGUMENTS AGAINST a No Fly Zone over Libya
Imposing a No Fly Zone in Libya will be seen as a coercive step that may demand escalation. Western governments must therefore resist calls for a NFZ over Libya until it is clearly and convincingly the correct path to take.3 Mar 2011
ARGUMENTS FOR a No Fly Zone over Libya
As the Qadhafi regime unleashes slow-motion slaughter in Libya, a no-fly zone is the most compelling response, particularly in the face of growing demands for limited assistance from Libyans themselves. Critics of such an idea have yet to explain why the limited efficacy of NFZs means that they ought to be shunned altogether, or why a time-limited NFZ cannot be later withdrawn if proven impotent.3 Mar 2011
The Politics behind the Pentagon's Boeing-EADS Decision
The Pentagon's decision to award a $35 billion tanker contract to Boeing instead of Europe's EADS caused a stir among investors and politicans on both sides of the Atlantic. Professor Trevor Taylor, RUSI Professorial Fellow in Defence Management, analyses the context and assesses the possible implications of the move.2 Mar 2011
Why Libya Is Not Immune To Revolution
The causes of dissent in Libya are diverse - as are the factions which may end up jockeying for power. But the fact that they have emerged at all is perhaps the most surprising aspect of the uprising thus far.24 Feb 2011
Libya: An Uncertain Future
Tribal rivalries, a corrupt military, and the absence of a legitimate political infrastructure mean that a post-Qadhafi Libya would have to overcome numerous obstacles in the pursuit of democracy.23 Feb 2011
Russo-Japanese Relations at their Lowest Ebb since the Cold War
Recent political posturing about the fate of the Kuril Islands is the latest development in a serious redressing of the balance of power between Moscow and Tokyo. Should the animosity continue, it is the latter which stands to lose the most. 23 Feb 2011
The Fourth Wave? Democracy in Egypt
Egypt is guaranteed neither a democratic nor a stable future, but the status quo had already failed in these respects. The transitional authorities need to sustain the democratic pressure of the uprising in order to meet the challenges ahead.14 Feb 2011
Egypt’s message to the Arab world
With Hosni Mubrak gone, no Arab leader should assume for a moment that they can somehow ride the revolutionary storm and maintain the status quo11 Feb 2011
Egypt - Who Wins?
The Egyptian regime seems to be attempting to divide its opposition in order ensure that Vice-President Omar Suleiman should succeed in confirming his position as the future President of Egypt. 7 Feb 2011
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