Carnegie Moscow Center
European governments are finding it ever more difficult to convince their constituencies back home that a sustained European presence in Afghanistan is of critical importance to any sort of lasting peace.
The development and diversification of Central Asia’s energy sector will provide more power for citizens and businesses, contribute to the region’s economic security, and give the region a firm footing in a growth industry of global importance.
As debate on U.S. strategy in Afghanistan continues, the big strategic questions sometimes get lost in the noise over troop numbers.
One of the challenges President Barack Obama faces is leveraging his positive global appeal to develop an effective new framework for the promotion of democracy and human rights.
Much has been made about President Obama's upcoming trip to Asia as recent events on the continent—continuing uncertainty in North Korea, the violence in Urumqi, and the ongoing fallout in the wake of global recession—indicate that this could be one of the most important trips of his first year in office.
Russian regions have been developing crises with economic, financial, social, and political facets. If not checked, some of these crises may grow to pose risks not only to the local area, but to the stability of the Russian government.
Although important, development assistance aimed at reforming the security sectors in Palestine, Lebanon, and Yemen has achieved only limited results. The bulk of such aid has consisted of military training and equipment, which does nothing to ensure that security forces answer to legitimate civilian leaders.
Although members of G20 refrained from engaging in high-intensity protectionism during the global economic crisis, protectionist sentiment is now intensifying. The G20 leaders need to push for a stronger commitment to open trade.
Revitalizing U.S. democracy assistance would significantly help the administration reinvent how it promotes democracy. As the largest U.S. funder of democracy aid, USAID is the logical starting point for such an effort.
Recent efforts by both the United States and Russia to reset the bilateral relationship have yielded promising results and deeper cooperation on critical issues, including Iran, the post-Soviet states, and arms control and disarmament.