Negotiations between governments and insurgent groups are common and difficult. They often involve preliminary contacts, intermediaries, and confidence-building steps before formal talks. Obstacles include disagreement over who should take part, …
Peace Talks With Insurgents: How Negotiations in Wartime Work Read More
China shares a short border with Afghanistan, in the Wakhan Corridor, and has long been interested in the country’s stability, particularly with regard to security in its western regions. Chinese …
China’s Interests in Afghanistan: Economic and Security Background Read More
Operational control, or OPCON, refers to the authority to direct forces for a specific mission. On the Korean Peninsula, wartime OPCON of South Korean forces has been exercised by the …
Wartime OPCON Transfer on the Korean Peninsula: A Primer Read More
Israel’s military is made up largely of conscripts, but conscription does not apply equally to all citizens. Most Arab citizens are not conscripted, and some choose to volunteer. Druze men …
Minority Service in Israel’s Armed Forces: Background Read More
In U.S. military doctrine, unconventional warfare refers to activities that enable a resistance movement or insurgency to coerce, disrupt, or overthrow a government or occupying power by operating through an …
Unconventional Warfare: A Primer on Definitions and Task Forces Read More
The term superpower came into wide use during the Cold War to describe the United States and the Soviet Union. It generally refers to a state with global reach in …
What Does It Mean to Be a Superpower? Read More
In March 2011, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1973, which authorized member states to take necessary measures to protect civilians in Libya and established a no-fly zone. A …
The 2011 Libya Intervention: A Brief Overview Read More
In 2010 and 2011, Russia negotiated to buy Mistral-class amphibious assault ships from France. According to public reports, a contract for two ships was signed in 2011, with an option …
Russia’s Mistral Purchase: Background on the Contract Read More
Long wars produce many lessons, and analysts often draw different ones from the same events. Some stress the limits of external intervention, others the importance of sustained commitment, and others …
Drawing Lessons From Afghanistan: Why Analysts Disagree Read More
Think tanks and research centers produce studies, hold events, and brief officials on defense and security topics. Some focus on technical analysis, others on policy advocacy, and many do both. …
How Think Tanks Contribute to Defense Policy Debates Read More