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- Newsbrief Vol. 40 No. 1

War Without Tanks
RUSI Newsbrief, February 2020William F Owen
The British Army must re-examine its use of heavy armour.
Armed Forces, Equipment and Acquisitions, UK Defence
The Integrated Review: Rebuilding the UK’s Hard Power
RUSI Newsbrief, February 2020Peter Roberts
The upcoming Integrated Review gives the UK an opportunity to reconsider the role of its armed forces and its international strategy.
Armed Forces, Defence Spending, Global Strategy and Commitments, UK Defence
No New START for the New Year
RUSI Newsbrief, February 2020Chelsey Wiley
On 5 February, the one-year countdown to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty began.
Proliferation and Nuclear Policy
Are Your Cigarettes Funding Terror Attacks? Examining the Intersection of Terrorist Financing and Illicit Trade
RUSI Newsbrief, February 2020Stephen Reimer and Tom Keatinge
There is rising interest in how illicit trade contributes to the funding of terrorist activities. Recognising the differences between wholesale and retail illicit trade will be crucial for effectively countering this form of terrorist financing.
AML/CTF
Why Russia’s Constitutional Changes Reveal Who Will Bear Responsibility for Putin’s Pet Projects
RUSI Newsbrief, January 2020Emily Ferris
Russia’s swathe of constitutional changes has prompted much debate about Putin’s future, but the amendments actually revealed very little about his plans. What they do reveal, however, is the importance of Putin’s legacy – his national projects – and who will be held responsible if they fail.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind? European Responses to the Return of Foreign Fighters
RUSI Newsbrief, January 2020Juliana Suess
European states are dealing with foreign fighters in diverse judicial and legislative environments, and while they would benefit from collaboration, a lack of political will could prevent this.
Tackling Extremism
Russia’s Outreach to Iraqi Kurdistan: A Gambit for Energy Investments and Regional Status
RUSI Newsbrief, January 2020Samuel Ramani
As Russia’s resurgence in the Middle East continues and Moscow hones its position as a regional diplomatic arbiter, Russia’s partnership with the Kurdistan Regional Government will likely continue to strengthen in the months and years to come.
Global Security Issues
Is Russia Changing Gear on Belarus? Unpacking the Importance of the Union State for Russia
RUSI Newsbrief, January 2020Emily Ferris and Paul Hansbury
High-level presidential meetings, increasing rhetoric from the Kremlin and the growing use of Russia’s soft power levers all indicate that Moscow is adapting its approach to Belarus amid a changing political climate.
The Politics of UK Accession to Pacific Free Trade Club
Rose Roth, language and youth
Failure to Lift Off: The UK’s Space Launch Ambitions