RUSI Newsbrief Vol. 37, No. 2

This issue of Newsbrief includes articles on how Brexit might affect the UK's sanctions policy, how new technologies could transform the Met police, and why Turkey's spy network in Germany is straining the relationship between the two countries, as well as articles on Yemen, China, UN peacekeeping, and a global money laundering scheme.

Brexit and the UK’s Sanctions Policy: From Leader to Follower

Tom Keatinge

As a member of the EU, the UK has been a strong leader in the design and implementation of sanctions. Brexit will create complexity for policymakers and the private sector and result in a loss of UK influence and effectiveness.

Policing the Digital Metropolis: Technology and the Metropolitan Police Service

Alexander Babuta

Only when the Met chooses to embrace new technologies will it realise its goal of becoming, in its own words, ‘the first truly digital police force’.

Cheap at Half the Price: Why UN Peacekeeping is Good Value for Money

Fred Carver

US President Donald Trump is threatening to cut his country’s contribution to the UN peacekeeping budget. But this could end up being the more expensive option in the long run.

Turkey’s German Spy Network

Tessa Szyszkowitz

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s spy network in Germany puts additional stress on the relationship between the two European powers.

Daesh: What Happens Next?

Raffaello Pantucci

As the battle for Mosul rages on and Daesh is put under increasing pressure in other parts of Iraq and Syria, how will the threat from the group evolve? Will Daesh end up following the path of Al-Qa’ida, with regional affiliates becoming more prominent?

Iran in Yemen: Ending the Houthi War

James Shinnie

With the US recently increasing its air operations in Yemen, the West still has a role to play in the Houthi conflict. But what conditions need to be in place for the coalition to triumph conclusively?

A Smaller, Nimbler Chinese Military: Xi Jinping Takes Control

Hsin Kuei Yu

President Xi Jinping is attempting to modernise China’s military through wide-ranging reforms. But the reforms are also intended to once again bring the military under the absolute rule of the Communist Party.

Lessons Learned so far from the ‘Global Laundromat’ Scheme

Sarah Lain

The UK Economic Secretary to the Treasury and banks have been criticised by MPs over Britain’s alleged role in a transnational money laundering scheme. However, closer examination shows that combating money laundering may not be as simple as MPs and other critics think.