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7611. Taiwan's All-Volunteer Force and Military Transformation

Author:
Dee Wu
Publication Date:
12-2017
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Project 2049 Institute
Abstract:
This publication makes the case for a Taiwanese All-Volunteer Force (AVF) military in order to transform it into a more capable combat force. Wu analyzes the Tsai administrations’ defense strategy and concludes that the implementation of an all-volunteer force is in line with Taiwan’s interests to enhance its projection capabilities to attack, disrupt, and even defeat the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) far outside of the island
Topic:
International Organization and International Affairs
Political Geography:
Taiwan

7612. Red Drones Over Disputed Seas

Author:
Project 2029 Institute
Publication Date:
01-2017
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Project 2049 Institute
Abstract:
This publication lays out a field guide for the sailors and pilots operating in the disputed areas of the East and South China Seas. The guide examines four Chinese aerial drone models: S-100, ASN-209, BZK-005, and GJ-1, including tips on how to identify them, and where they could be seen operating in the East and South China Seas. The intent is to jumpstart a conversation on how militaries and law enforcement agencies should prepare their personnel to deal with potentially hostile aerial drones, armed or otherwise, operating in disputed areas in their maritime neighborhood
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

7613. Getting the U.S.-China Relationship Right

Author:
Cory Gardner
Publication Date:
01-2017
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Project 2049 Institute
Abstract:
The Project 2049 Institute is pleased to announce the publication of our Futuregram, “Getting the U.S.-China Relationship Right.” Senator Cory Gardner [R-CO], Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, assesses the need for a long-term strategy in regards to the U.S.-China relationship. In addition, he details new legislation called the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act (ARIA), an approach that will put American interests first by reassuring our allies, deterring our adversaries, and securing U.S. leadership in the region for future generations.
Topic:
International Organization and International Affairs
Political Geography:
China

7614. Taiwan, Submarines, and Competitive Strategies for U.S.-China Competition

Author:
Henry Holst
Publication Date:
01-2017
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Project 2049 Institute
Abstract:
Taiwan’s Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) program has spurred a small but fierce debate over the merits of Taiwan’s submarine aspirations. This study argues that the discussion surrounding Taiwan’s IDS program fails to consider the potential long-run strategic benefits for the United States. Taiwan’s IDS program could spur greater PLA budgetary allocation in an area of favorable U.S.-China technological asymmetry: anti-submarine warfare (ASW). Given the high probability of greater PLA investment in high-end war fighting capabilities, larger PLA spending on ASW is comparatively less threatening to U.S. regional interests than other capabilities within high-technology confines. This study concludes by recommending a reevaluation of the long-run strategic merits of assisting Taiwan’s pursuit of a submarine program.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
China

7615. The Nature of China’s Rise and Why It Matters to the U.S. and Japan: A Japanese Perspective

Author:
Hiroko Maeda
Publication Date:
01-2017
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Project 2049 Institute
Abstract:
China’s military buildup has shaken regional stability and poses a challenge to the U.S.-Japan alliance. This study examines China’s security challenges, as well as Japan’s response in a series of national security policy reforms. In light of China’s increasing assertiveness, the U.S. and Japan need more consultations and should share a strategy for maintaining peace and stability in the region. In particular, the study identifies cybersecurity and maritime capacity building in ASEAN as key areas where the U.S. and Japan can cooperate to establish a rules based order in the Asia-Pacific region.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

7616. Developments in China’s Conventional Precision Strike Capabilities

Author:
Akira Marusaki
Publication Date:
01-2017
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Project 2049 Institute
Abstract:
Among the range of PLA capabilities undergoing modernization, this study focuses on conventional precision strike capability. In order to address the questions of how and why the PRC has been striving to improve this capability, this study will first illustrate the development of three weapon systems: the conventional ballistic missile, the anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM), and the land attack cruise missile (LACM). It will then analyze the reason why the PRC has developed these capabilities, casting a spotlight on historical and strategic backgrounds, in particular the end of Cold War, the 1990 Gulf War, and the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis in 1995 to 1996. This study concludes by pointing to future developments in China’s conventional precision strike capabilities, drawing attention to reconnaissance capabilities.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

7617. The political economy of the transformation of Islamic finance in Turkey

Author:
SETA
Publication Date:
01-2017
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
SETA Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research
Abstract:
When Islamic finance is mentioned around the world, the first thing that comes to mind is Islamic banks. The sphere of Islamic finance has expanded in the last decade with developments particularly in capital markets and the insurance sector. Nonetheless, the market share of Islamic finance in the world’s financial market accounts for approximately 1 percent. Still, many segments are interested in Islamic finance because of its high growth figures, resilience against crises, and the fact that it offers a system that prioritizes ethical values in contrast to conventional finance. Islamic banks in Turkey date back to the establishment of the Adapazarı Islamic Trade Bank (Adapazarı İslam Ticaret Bankası) in Sakarya (Adapazarı) in 1913. However, examples of globally accepted Islamic banking models in Turkey appeared with the emergence of Special Finance Houses (SFHs) following the passage of relevant legal regulations in 1984
Topic:
International Political Economy and International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Markets

7618. Beyond the Caliphate

Author:
Richard Barrett
Publication Date:
10-2017
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
The Soufan Group
Abstract:
As the so-called Islamic State (IS) loses territorial control of its caliphate, there is little doubt that the group or something similar will survive the worldwide campaign against it. As long as the conditions that allowed the group to exist in the first place remain, IS or something like it will survive. The threat will mutate…
Topic:
International Security
Political Geography:
Global Focus

7619. The Changing Balance of Power in the Age of Emerging Cyber Threats

Author:
Ivo Tsekov
Publication Date:
04-2017
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Institute for Security and International Studies (ISIS)
Abstract:
This paper addresses one of the key issues of the international security agenda today: the role of cyber warfare in the changing security landscape of the 21st century. Cyber warfare involves the actions by a nation-state or international organization to attack and attempt to damage another nation's computers or information networks through IT means. While a great deal has already been written on the topic, there needs to be a stronger examination of how the combination of cyber weapons with traditional strategic approaches might impact strategic choices related to cyber war. In order to understand whether there is a security competition in cyberspace, it is necessary to assess the current balance of power. Therefore, the issue of cyber warfare has relevance to practitioners, policy-makers, and scholars in the national, regional and international levels.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

7620. The Inflated Yet Unsolvable North Korean Nuclear Threat

Author:
Boyan Boyanov
Publication Date:
09-2017
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Institute for Security and International Studies (ISIS)
Abstract:
After Pyongyang conducted its fourth nuclear test on the 5th of January 2016 and declared it a successful experiment with a hydrogen bomb, the international community resumed its appeals for finding a definitive solution to the issue with North Korea’s nuclear arsenal. What impresses is the routine of the international response following the North Korean habitual act of defying the nuclear nonproliferation system: diplomatic condemnation mostly coming from the United States, South Korea, Japan, and, in a far more restrained manner – from China. When Pyongyang launched a satellite in space two days later, Seoul responded by shutting down the Kaesong industrial complex – a mutually beneficial industrial zone where South Korean companies employ North Korean labor1 . Even this seemingly harsh action does not constitute a precedent. At that time it was not very demanding to foretell the execution of consequential U.S. – South Korea military drills to display the U.S. resolution to be constantly involved in whatever is happening on the Korean Peninsula and to dismay the latest great leader of the North. Indications appear to suggest that China, completely in terms with its traditional business-asusual foreign policy, would not apply overwhelmingly dutifully the up-to-date UNSC sanctions imposed on Pyongyang2 . Then, after months of expected scolding from abroad, Pyongyang remained true to its own behavioral logic and conducted a fifth nuclear test on September 9 2016, the repercussions of which are yet to unfold
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus