RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Michael E. O'Hanlon, December 02, 2008, The Washington Times
Press reports indicate the Bush administration is pursuing a final bold foreign policy move -- agreeing to offer Georgia and Ukraine rapid membership to NATO by bypassing normal procedures. Michael O'Hanlon argues this is a bad idea, writing it is likely to worsen U.S.-Russia relations and increase the risk of war. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Steven Pifer, October 29, 2008, The Brookings Institution
Steven Pifer believes bids by Ukraine and Georgia for NATO membership action plans (MAPs), though strongly supported by the U.S., are likely to fail. Pifer says involved parties should accept that asking for MAPs in December is a recipe for defeat, but also that NATO should make it clear to Russia it cannot draw new lines through Europe. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Alex Mundt and Elizabeth Ferris, October 28, 2008, Enhancing Protection of Civilians in Protracted Conflicts, ARC/Austcare Symposium
Though there are important similarities in the impact of prolonged displacement on the lives of IDPs and refugees, there are also significant differences in their situations -- particularly when it comes to solutions. While return is often the desired solution for both IDPs and political actors, Alex Mundt and Elizabeth Ferris argue that local integration and return should not be seen as mutually exclusive alternatives, as they can encourage IDPs to build new lives elsewhere without having to give up the possibility of an eventual return. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Steven Pifer, October 03, 2008, Council on Foreign Relations
In an interview with Bernard Gwertzman of Council on Foreign Relations, Steven Pifer said U.S.-Russian relations have "deteriorated significantly" since the Putin-Bush summit of 2002. Pifer believes the current state of relations has not left much in the U.S. diplomatic tool-kit to use against Moscow, and he suggests that the next administration try to return to negotiations on limiting strategic arms. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Richard C. Bush III and Kenneth Lieberthal, September 16, 2008, The Wall Street Journal Asia
In light of the recent conflict in Georgia, comparisons have been made between U.S. approaches toward Georgia and Taiwan. Richard Bush and Ken Lieberthal argue that the different outcomes illustrate the danger of sending mixed messages, and that American commitment should be carefully shaped around sober analysis of American capabilities and interest and the competing goals and interests of other major players. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Clifford G. Gaddy, September 16, 2008, The Moscow Times
Cliff Gaddy explores the widely held idea that Russia's recent invasion of Georgia was a primary cause for the Russian stock market to plummet. Instead, Gaddy believes the global decline in oil prices—now nearly 30% off highs in July—is a more likely reason. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Steven Pifer, September 11, 2008, George Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M
Steven Pifer spoke before the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M to outline Russia's ambitions in the world, and what the U.S. can do to respond. Pifer believes that U.S. policy must be firm and principled, but it must also treat Russia as more of a partner than a problem going forward. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Jeffrey A. Bader and Douglas Paal, September 2008, Far Eastern Economic Review
Jeffrey Bader and Douglas Paal believe the Russian attack on Georgia can provide several important lessons for Taiwan in regards to China. Among the most important is that "a constructive relationship between the United States and major powers is an essential component of security for vulnerable states." Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Federiga Bindi, August 28, 2008, Benecomune.net
Federiga Bindi discusses the recent crisis in Georgia. (Italian) Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Clifford G. Gaddy, August 23, 2008, Newsweek International
Cliff Gaddy discusses the politics of managing the situation between Russia and Georgia, advising that using economics as a tool poses risks on a global scale. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Daniel Benjamin, August 20, 2008, Slate
Daniel Benjamin writes that in addition to the regional consequences of the crisis between Georgia and Russia, the conflict presented challenges for U.S. foreign policy. Benjamin argues that Russia's invasion of Georgia is the result of U.S. and European failure to integrate Russia into the Western sphere and points to the lack of a coherent U.S. foreign policy toward Russia overall. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Carlos Pascual and Steven Pifer, August 18, 2008, The Brookings Institution
The military conflict between Russia and Georgia over two breakaway regions has subsided, but continues on in strained relations between Russia and western powers, including the United States. Carlos Pascual and Steven Pifer propose a 10-point plan to monitor events on the ground in Georgia, mobilize NATO and the UN, and enforce international law. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Strobe Talbott, August 18, 2008, National Public Radio
How can the interconnection of Pakistan, Russia, Georgia and Iran affect the United States? Brookings President Strobe Talbott, Ted Koppell and Neal Conan discussed this question on NPR's Talk of the Nation. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Michael E. O'Hanlon, August 17, 2008, The Washington Times
As the aftermath of the conflict between Russia and Georgia continues to unfold, Michael O'Hanlon offers near-term solutions as well as a longer-term strategy for both countries and the region as a whole. He notes that while Russia's behavior has been inexcusable, the U.S. will still need cooperation on important issues like Iran and North Korea. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Strobe Talbott, August 16, 2008, NPR's Weekend Edition
The United States has found itself in a difficult position with the conflict between Georgia and Russia. Strobe Talbott talks with Scott Simon about U.S. relations in the region.
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