Provocations | China's Olympic Changes | Washington Watch
Provocations
Reinventing statecraft in the Middle East ... steps toward a nuclear-free reality? ... the folly of asymmetric war ... Plus, can sanctions work for nonproliferation?
Statecraft in the Middle East
Dennis
Ross
To leave a more favorable legacy on Iraq, Iran, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the administration must clarify its objectives, make them more realistic, and use different forms of leverage to change behaviors.
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The Reality: A Goal of a World without Nuclear Weapons Is Essential
Sidney
Drell
and James
Goodby
Deterrence is becoming less effective and increasingly hazardous. A series of practical steps can be initiated leading to a world without nuclear weapons. As the world proceeds down that path, political conditions will be created that will improve its prospects.
[excerpt]
The Folly of 'Asymmetric War'
Michael
J. Mazarr
Shifting U.S. defense policy to focus on asymmetric threats would distort defense priorities for years to come and trap U.S. armed forces in endless conflicts that military power cannot win.
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Educational and Cultural Exchanges to Restore America's Image
Carol
Bellamy
and Adam
Weinberg
A new public diplomacy strategy to enhance the U.S. reputation will require a thorough understanding of the role of cultural and educational exchanges, or what is commonly called citizen diplomacy, and the many ways it can be more effectively leveraged.
[excerpt]
Do Sanctions Work for Nonproliferation?
Sanctions against Iran: A Promising Struggle
Michael Jacobson
A debate within Iran about the wisdom of its nuclear program appears to be starting. Success is far from guaranteed, but if the international community is truly determined to try to change Tehran's decision making, it should use greater economic pressure. [excerpt]
Can Sanctions Stop Proliferation?
Dingli
Shen
How effective have sanctions been, and what do the North Korea and Iran cases say about China's evolving attitudes toward sanctions as a nonproliferation tool?
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China's Olympic Changes
Examining China’s military objectives, political reforms, and diplomatic posture approaching the Olympics ... and beyond
Beijing’s Olympic-Sized Catch-22
Victor
D. Cha
The Olympic spotlight provides China with an opportunity to enhance its prestige, but also with massive pressures for political change that, if left unaddressed by Beijing, will undercut any benefits.
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China's Search for Military Power
M.
Taylor Fravel
How much military power does China ultimately desire? A close look at Chinese texts on military doctrine over the last decade reveals that Beijing's objectives for the use of military power are more certain than many policy analysts maintain.
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Political and Social Reform in China: Alive and Walking
George
J. Gilboy
and Benjamin
L. Read
The twin drivers of long-term Chinese social and political conflict and change—-an increasingly robust society and a more adaptive party-state—-have continued to gather strength, leading not toward Western democracy but uneven and fragile reform and liberalization.
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North Korea: The Beginning of a China-U.S. Partnership?
Bonnie
S. Glaser
and Wang
Liang
China's role in the six-party talks has evolved from passive onlooker to reticent host and, finally, honest broker. The process provides a test case of U.S.-Chinese cooperation on a critical security issue and of Beijing's willingness to become a "responsible stakeholder."
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Will Darfur Steal the Olympic Spotlight?
J.
Stephen Morrison
The Save Darfur Coalition has entered into an unprecedented dialogue with Beijing and contributed positively to changing Chinese policies and approaches, but it continues to routinely undervalue the significance of China's shifts.
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Washington Watch
Charlie Cook recaps a turbulent primary season and draws the battle lines for November
The 2008 Presidential Primaries: What in America's Name Is Going On?
Charles
E. Cook Jr.
The 2008 presidential race has already featured more surprises and greater volatility than any since 1968. A look back at the spring presidential campaigns and a look ahead to what should be a similarly wild and turbulent general campaign in the general campaign in the fall.
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