The Critical Battles: Political Reconciliation and Reconstruction in Iraq
Carlos Pascual and Kenneth M. Pollack (initially published Summer 2007)
We have almost certainly reached the last chance for serious U.S. efforts at a political strategy to achieve a sustainable peace and set in motion processes to begin to rebuild Iraq’s capacities for self-governance and economic regulation, the essential components for stability. More on Iraq>

The Folly of 'Asymmetric War'
Michael J. Mazarr (initially published Summer 2008)

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. More on Terrorism>

The Security Implications of Climate Change
John Podesta and Peter Ogden (initially published Winter 2007-08)

Within the next 30 years, climate change is expected to cause destabilizing migration, massive food and water shortages, devastating natural disaster, and deadly disease outbreaks that will present serious security challenges not only to directly affected countries, but to the United States and the entire international community. More on Energy and Environment>

Europe and Islam: Crescent Waxing, Cultures Clashing
Timothy M. Savage (initially published Summer 2004)

The July 2005 terrorist attacks in London, on the heels of the March 2004 attacks in Madrid, highlight the danger of radical Islamist groups operating among Europe's sizable immigrant population. The integration—or alienation—of Europe's Muslims will help define the continent's future. More on Europe>

Responses to North Korea’s Nuclear Test: Capitulation or Collective Action?
Scott Snyder (initially published Autumn 2007)

North Korea’s nuclear test may have unexpectedly catalyzed a paradigm shift, enhancing the potential effectiveness of the six-party process. The question now is whether such cohesion can continue as the impact of the nuclear test fades. More on the Koreas>

A Win-Win U.S. Strategy for Dealing with Iran
Michael McFaul, Abbas Milani, and Larry Diamond (initially published Spring 2005)

In its nuclear negotiations with the rest of the world, Iran has been pursuing a strategy of “heads you lose, tails we win.” The United States needs a bold and fundamentally different strategy that would engage the Iranian regime and people on two tracks, allowing U.S. diplomats to pursue arms control and democratization at the same time. More on Iran>

Pakistan's Record on Terrorism: Conflicted Goals, Compromised Performance
Ashley J. Tellis (initially published Spring 2008)

Islamabad’s inability to defeat the terrorist groups operating from its soil is rooted in many factors that go beyond its admittedly serious motivational deficiencies to combat terrorism. More on South Asia>

Putin’s Plan
Clifford G. Gaddy and Andrew C. Kuchins (initially published Spring 2008)

The roots of Putin’s Plan lie not in Marxism-Leninism, but in Western business theory. True to these roots, Putin is orchestrating the election of someone to succeed him as strategic planner, the CEO of “Russia, Inc.,” who will continue to seek domestic and international stability. More on Russia>