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ISN
ETH Zurich
International Relations and Security Network www.isn.ethz.ch
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This Week at ISN Our Weekly Editorial Roundup
4 8 August 2014 JUMP TO Security Watch | Blog | Video
/// Security Watch
This week, our hard power-centered Security Watch (SW) series asks if terms such as political warfare and hybrid
threats adequately explain the nature of modern war; whether Israel can rely on its military to help solve its political
problems; if the USs Air-Sea Battle concept has any teeth to it; whether Iraqs Nouri al-Maliki can truly count on Irans
support; and why the Germany military is so interested in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Then, in our second, more
wide-ranging SW series, we look at why China remains so heavily invested in Venezuela; why its time to refocus our
collective attention on Yemen; what the future holds for Turkeys Glen Movement, particularly in the Central Asian and
Caucasus regions; what the upcoming NATO summit should focus on; and what are the future prospects for democratic
transitions in the Arab world. More
On Not-So-New Warfare: Political Warfare vs. Hybrid Threat
4 August 2014
Frank Hoffman thinks that the ongoing Ukraine conflict challenges traditional Western notions of war. Additionally, the
terms used to describe the conflict political warfare and a hybrid threat fail to explain the true nature of contemporary
violence. More
Chinas Unlikely Partnership with Venezuela
4 August 2014
Why does China continue to invest heavily in unstable and cash-strapped Venezuela? The answer, according to Margaret
Myers, lies in Beijings well-documented determination to enhance its energy security, particularly in the wake of so many
financial and political troubles. More
Operational Solutions to Strategic Problems Israels Policy Towards Palestine
5 August 2014
While Israels assault on the Gaza Strip might yield a temporary sense of security at home, the root causes of the Israeli-
Palestinian conflict will remain intact. According to Andreas Krieg, thats because Tel Aviv continues to seek operational-
level military solutions for its strategic-level political problems. More
Yemen: A State Born of Conflict
5 August 2014
Aaron Edwards believes that the international community needs to intensify its response to the deteriorating security
situation in Yemen. Without much-needed external support, Sanaas tenuous political transition will most likely falter.
More
The Operational Art of Air-Sea Battle
6 August 2014
J ust what is Air-Sea Battle (ASB) is it a vague sentiment, a mushy concept or an actual doctrine? J ohn Callaway thinks
that its more than just a slogan. As a type of operational art, ASB will help define the capabilities the US needs to operate
in the global commons, especially in anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) environments. More
What Future for the Fetullah Glen Movement in Central Asia and the Caucasus?
6 August 2014
The Glen Movements network of educational establishments was once a major source of Turkish soft power in the
Caucasus and Central Asian regions. Bayram Balci warns, however, that Recep Tayyip Erdoans war against the
movements parallel structures is fast becoming a self-inflicted wound. More
IranMalikis Best Friend (Forever?)
7 August 2014
From defending Shia holy sites to keeping US influence in check, Irans support of Iraqs embattled government remains
multifaceted. But just how long will it last? Today, Afshon Ostovar argues that Tehran could quite easily live without Nouri
al-Maliki in the long-term. More
NATO Wales and the Future of Western Grand Strategy
7 August 2014
This Septembers NATO summit is set to be one of the most significant since the end of the Cold War. To be considered a
success, John Hemmings believes it must align transatlantic concerns with US global concerns, such as restricting the
sale of advanced European military systems to Russia and China. More
Armed Drones? Jein! Germanys Qualified Decision for Armed UAVs
8 August 2014
German Minister of Defence Ursula von der Leyen recently declared that she would back the procurement of armed UAVs
by the Bundeswehr. While this may have been a shrewd political move, Ulrike Franke argues that it will leave the military
unsatisfied and may therefore be far less decisive than it appears. More
Arab Transitions: Late Departure, Destination Unknown
8 August 2014
As predicted, the Arab worlds transition from autocratic to democratic rule remains erratic and very much a work in
progress. Today, Florence Gaub explains why this is the case and outlines what Arab polities need to do to give
democracy a chance. More
/// Blog
Book Review: Waging Gendered Wars
4 August 2014
Mercy Ette thinks that Waging Gendered Wars is a must read text on the role of women in todays militaries. Indeed, its
the new books depth of research and personal accounts that make it an exceptional guide to the gendered nature of war.
More
Is Cantonment the Key to Success in Malis Negotiations?
5 August 2014
Ibrahim Maiga has no doubts if peace talks with Malis northern rebels are going to succeed, they must focus on the
cantonment of the countrys armed groups. This step will not only improve security in the north, it will also test the sincerity
of those involved in the peace process. More
Why Belarus is Different
6 August 2014
Will Belarus perform an about face and eventually tilt towards the West? Manuel Tornago doesnt think so. Alexander
Lukashenkos public standing has improved in recent years and Minsks cultural, economic and geographic ties with
Russia remain powerful indeed. More
Dispatches From the Robot Wars; Or, What is Posthuman Security?
7 August 2014
Audra Mitchell is one of a growing number of analysts who believe that international security shouldnt be defined
exclusively in human terms. In her view, animals, machines, natural resources and other complex systems also define the
nature and symptoms of (in)security. More
Pakistans IDP Crisis
8 August 2014
Almost a million Pakistanis have been displaced by renewed fighting between Islamist militants and government troops in
the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Their plight, according to Iqtidar Karamat Cheema, is being made worse by
Islamabads lackluster response to its latest humanitarian crisis. More
/// Video
Iran's Nuclear Chess: Calculating America's Moves
In this video, three analysts discuss 1) the status of the P5+1s negotiations with Iran on the latters nuclear program, and
2) the consequences of extending the deadline for a final deal on the program for four more months. More
EU-UN Partnership in Peace Operations
In this video, four analysts focus on how to enhance UN-EU cooperation, particularly in three peace-centered areas --
security sector reform, rule of law, and military collaboration. More
Is There an Arms Race in Asia?
In this video, Christian Le Mire and Douglas Paal discuss whether the arms procurement policies of East Asian nations
are tipping them towards a conventional arms race. More
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