This Week at ISN

25 Feb - 01 Mar 2013 The Caucasus remains one of the more volatile regions in the world. This week, we consider how various regional and global powers are attempting to manage their interests in the area.

Managing the Caucasus

Russia in the Caucasus
25 Feb 2013

Despite the attempts by Western powers to penetrate the Caucasus, Russia continues to exert unmatched influence over the region. In this Questions and Answers presentation, the CSS' Aglaya Snetkov outlines some of the differences between Moscows North and South Caucasus policies. More An Audit of Power: Turkey's Leverage in the Post Soviet Space
26 Feb 2013

Adam Balcer argues that Turkey has been one of the main beneficiaries of Russia's declining influence over the post-Soviet space. In this piece, he considers the main pillars of Ankara's policies, with a particular emphasis on its relationship with Azerbaijan and its broader security vision for the Black Sea basin. More The Role of Iran in the South Caucasus
27 Feb 2013

Irans determination to expand its influence within the South Caucasus is shaped by its desire to counter the threats posed by other powers, writes Tornike Sharashenidze. As a potential rival and prominent energy power, relations with Shia-dominated Azerbaijan are at the top of Tehran's policy agenda. More The United States and the Caucasus
28 Feb 2013

The recent change of government in Georgia has resulted in improved diplomatic ties between Tbilisi and Moscow. Here, we consider what this turn of events means for US foreign policy in the wider Caucasus region. More The Diminishing Returns of China's North Korea Policy
22 Feb 2013

China continues to fear the possibility of a unified Korea being led by a pro-US government in Seoul. As a result, Stephanie Kleine-Ahlbrandt believes Beijing will continue bankrolling North Korea, even as their onceclose political relationship continues to unravel. More

Security Watch
Al-Qaida in North Africa: It's Not the Same Old Story
25 Feb 2013

Many Western forces now have extensive experience in fighting al-Qaida affiliates in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. But as the focus turns to al-Qaida in North Africa, Henry "Chip" Carey warns that they should not be tricked into thinking that they know what awaits them. More

US-Iran Relations: In Diplomacy We Trust

26 Feb 2013

Tracy Lee believes that the reelection of Barack Obama may help to ease tensions between the United States and Iran. What she does not expect to change, however, is Washingtons tough diplomatic stance over Tehrans controversial nuclear program. More China-Japan Maritime Relations: The Case for Cautious Optimism
27 Feb 2013

Speculation is growing that Japan's Shinzo Abe and China's Xi Jinping are interested in staging a bilateral leadership summit. James Manicom is not surprised by such rumors. They often follow prolonged periods of confrontation between the two countries, particularly over disputed maritime territory. More Russia-US Relations under Obama: Round 2
28 Feb 2013

Many commentators believe that the Obama administration has failed to 'reset' its ties with Moscow. Richard Weitz may agree, but he also reminds us that Russia and the US continue to share a number of interests together. They make cooperating with each other an imperative rather than an option. More China's Risky Strategy in Maritime Disputes
22 Feb 2013

China claims that it was unaware of a recent 'incident' involving Chinese and Japanese naval vessels. Our partners at STRATFOR warn that Beijing's muted response is deliberate. It is designed to convince its neighbors that the Chinese military might act independently to support Chinas territorial claims. More

ISN Blog
Iran's New Stealth Fighter Soars Across Fake Sky
25 Feb 2013

Iran's controversial nuclear program remains a source of anxiety for many states. Our partners at Global Voices reveal, however, that any concerns raised about Tehran's recently unveiled stealth fighter program might, at this stage of its development, be a little premature. More A Futile Gagging Order for the 'Prisoner X' Scandal
26 Feb 2013

Israeli authorities were quick to censor media coverage of the 'Prisoner X' scandal on the grounds of national security. Global Voices' Elizabeth Tsurkov reveals that Tel Aviv's decision was greeted with derision by Israeli bloggers, who pointed out the obvious coverage could still be accessed from foreign outlets. More US and South Korea: A Show of Force, But Running Out of Options?
27 Feb 2013

The US and South Korea countered the North's recent nuclear test with their own displays of military might. Many analysts weren't impressed, Yoo Eun Lee notes. They think it's time to jettison the recurring provocations, chest-thumping exercises and 'Cold War' posturing that define politics on the Peninsula. More Zambian Opposition Parties Lobby for Suspension from the Commonwealth
28 Feb 2013

Zambia's main opposition parties accuse the country's president of using public order legislation to maintain his dictatorial rule. Global Voices' Gershom Ndhlovu reveals that this allegation now forms the basis for their response i.e., Zambia should be suspended from the Commonwealth of Nations. More India Gears up for a Heavyweight Clash at the Next General Election
22 Feb 2013

India is set to elect a new Prime Minister in 2014. Olof Blomqvist looks at the two leading candidates who, for very different reasons, can be considered among the 'heavyweights' of Indian domestic politics. More

Video
Georgia's Democratic Path Past, Present and Future In this Chatham House video, Georgia's Minister of Defense, Irakli Alasania, talks about Tbilisi's relations with Russia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and about the lessons his country has learned in recent history. More Kosovo's Independence and Serbia's Foreign Policy STRATFOR's Europe analyst, Adriano Bosoni, discusses the fifth anniversary of Kosovo's independence and what it represents for Serbia's current foreign policy. More Uncharted Strait: The Future of China-Taiwan Relations In this Brookings Institute video, Richard Bush examines the current state of diplomatic relations between China and Taiwan. He further outlines how the two countries could deepen their social, economic and political engagement. More

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