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PacNet #25 - Replacing Armistice Agreement with Peace Agreement is the best way for ensuring peace
This article provides a DPRK perspective. While readers may find fault with many of its arguments and points of view (as do we), it is published to provide our readership with insights into how the DPRK sees the current situation.
Admiral Gorshkov Frigate Reveals Serious Shortcomings in Russia’s Naval Modernization Program
Since 2008, as part of its ongoing military reform, Moscow has embarked on a large-scale program of naval expansion intended to recapitalize its ailing shipbuilding industry and rebuild and modernize its fleet. Despite substantial efforts to make good on its naval modernization plans, including significant state spending, what has been delivered thus far has fallen well short of expectations.
Is there an Obama Doctrine?
An article in today's New York Times flags a Presidential interview in the Atlantic in ways that are certain to draw global attention, particularly in the countries whose leaders are criticized, the Middle East, Russia, China, and Asia.
Saudi Arabia and the United States: Common Interests and Continuing Sources of Tension
The working draft has been revised to reflect a number of Saudi and U.S. comments, and the final draft of this report is available at http://csis.org/files/publication/160310_cordesman_saudi_arabia.pdf.
Impact Player: Kim Hong-kyun
Kim Hong-kyun is the new Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs for the Republic of Korea.
PacNet #24 - Mahathir & Anwar vs Najib: how will it end?
The unthinkable is happening in Malaysian politics. It is triggered by the deepest political crisis the country has ever known, at the center of which is Prime Minister Najib Razak.
How Serious are North Korea’s Pre-emptive Attack Threats?
- Annual Key Resolve and Foal Eagle joint military exercises commenced today on March 7. Their scale is larger than previous exercises and will run until April 30.
- Over the weekend, North Korea threatened to launch a “preemptive nuclear strike of justice” in response to the military exercises.
Afghanistan: The Uncertain Impact of a Year of Transition
Previous Burke Chair reports have addressed the fact that it has now been a year since U.S. and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) combat forces formally left Afghanistan.
Goldwater-Nichols 2.0
Senator John McCain (R-AZ) has focused Washington’s attention on management headquarters and command relationships through a series of hearings that the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) has held in recent months. The senator has vowed to make major changes, so the national security community is paying close attention.
Aung San Suu Kyi Is Key to Further Unlocking of U.S. Sanctions against Myanmar
As Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) prepares to take power in Myanmar April 1, one of the questions U.S. policymakers will eventually need to address is what to do about the remaining U.S. economic sanctions against the country. Although many in the U.S.
Additional Sanctions on North Korea
On March 2, 2016, the United Nations Security Council voted 15-0 to adopt Resolution 2270, which imposes new sanctions against North Korea for its nuclear and ballistic missile activities.
UN Security Council adopts Resolution with Tougher Sanctions on North Korea
- The UN Security Council adopted UNSCR 2270 this morning by a unanimous vote [15-0].
PacNet #23 - Australia’s 2016 Defense White Paper: forward funded defense
If one word can sum up the 2016 Australian Defense White Paper (DWP 2016), it is “forward.” The document is more “forward” than its predecessors in terms of projected funding commitments and the dizzying time-scales and costs involved in delivering complex platforms like submarines and frigates.
Saudi Arabia and the United States: Common Interests and Continuing Sources of Tension
Strong Ties, But with Significant Tensions
Building a Stronger Relationship
Improving Mutual Public and Policy Level Understanding of the U.S.-Saudi Strategic Partnership
Korea Chair Monitor | Vol 4 Issue 3
The Korea Chair team takes a biweekly look back at events of interest in Washington, Seoul, and the region from February 11 - February 24, 2016.
U.S.-ROK RELATIONS
President Obama Signs H.R. 757
United Kingdom Debates Scrapping Nuclear Program: Why the United States Cares
The United Kingdom has maintained a continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent since April 1969, with one ballistic missile submarine on patrol at all times. The David Cameron government reinforced its commitment to maintaining its nuclear posture in the November 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR).
PacNet #22 - ADMM-dialogue partners informal meetings as a source of regional stability
Defense diplomacy efforts led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have advanced significantly since the inaugural ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) in 2006. A development that has recently gained prominence is the ADMM’s engagement with individual dialogue partners.
“Putin Is Corrupt” and Other Uncertainties Related to U.S. Policy toward Russia
During a BBC interview aired on January 25, a surprising and seemingly “out of the blue” comment from Adam Szubin, U.S. acting under secretary of the treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence, had many people scratching their heads. Szubin in essence said President Vladimir Putin of Russia is corrupt.
PacNet #11A - Australia’s submarine decision: a matter of grand strategy
Australia’s future submarine program is the largest and most complex defense procurement in the nation’s history. The decision as to which submarine to choose has become one of grand strategy with far-reaching economic, political, and strategic consequences.
Issues & Insights Vol. 16 - No. 4 - Implementing Strategic Trade Controls in Asia Pacific
The Pacific Forum CSIS, National Chengchi University’s Institute for International Relations, and the Prospect Foundation, with support from the US Department of State’s Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Program and the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held an Asia-Pacific dialogue on strategic trade controls (STC) in Taipei, Taiwan on November 5-6, 2015.