New IISS Publications
- Strait of Hormuz: Iran's disruptive military options
Could Iran shut the Strait of Hormuz, or significantly hinder traffic passing through it? A recent decision by the European Union to impose a total embargo on the purchase of Iranian oil has prompted threats from Tehran to close the world's most important oil chokepoint. However, an assessment of military capabilities deployed in the area, and of likely tactics, suggests that Iran would find it difficult or unpalatable to cause major disruption.
- Russia's protests: not a revolution but an awakening
A wave of anti-government protests in Russia in late 2011 has rocked its political establishment. United in anger at President Dmitry Medvedev's decision to cede his post to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, as well as at evidence of electoral fraud in recent legislative elections, up to 100,000 Russians gathered on 24 December to take part in some of the country's largest protests since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Yet those who expect Russia to follow the path of Arab revolutions are likely to be disapp
- Survival February-March 2012
In the February-March 2012 issue of Survival, Matthew Harries explores the potential for increased French-British cooperation on nuclear issues; Dean A. Wilkening asks whether missile defence in Europe threatens Russia; and Erik Jones examines Italy's Sovereign Debt Crisis. Other highlights include Michael Elleman on Iran's missile threat, Andrew Parasiliti on the end of Americas mission in Iraq, and Charles Kupchan on the future of the EU.
- US and Pakistan: a troubled relationship
Relations between Washington and Islamabad deteriorated rapidly during 2011. A series of incidents, including the death of Osama bin Laden in an American raid in Pakistan and the killing of Pakistani soldiers by NATO forces in a skirmish on the Afghan border, created a poisonous atmosphere.
- Afghanistan to 2015 and Beyond
As the international security forces prepare to depart from Afghanistan, this Adelphi turns attention to the ability of a ravaged country to tackle its myriad security problems, overcome crippling poverty and corruption and somehow revive its devastated economy. The government faces daunting challenges, ranging from the threat of insurgency and cross-border terrorism to the difficulty of reintegrating and reconciling former Taliban figures and combatants into a political settlement.
- Durban's surprise climate deal: progress, but gaps remain
The latest round of climate negotiations in Durban, South Africa, ended in a cliff-hanger in the early hours of 11 December. A last-minute huddle on the conference floor produced an unexpected agreement to extend the Kyoto Protocol, and a commitment to produce a replacement for it. Though the deal failed to meet what many see as the minimum cut in emissions needed to limit global warming to no more than 2C, it was probably the best outcome that could have been hoped for.
