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March/April 2003
Comments
Bush’s Nuclear Revolution by George Perkovich
The White House’s radical new strategy for handling weapons of mass destruction will reduce international cooperation on nonproliferation, not increase it.
A Better Way to Fight Global Poverty by Gene Sperling and Tom Hart
The Bush administration’s proposed Millennium Challenge Account is welcome, but with a few simple changes it could do far more to help the world’s poor.
[500-word preview]
Essays
How to Deal With North Korea by James T. Laney and Jason T. Shaplen
Pyongyang’s belligerent behavior should not obscure other dramatic conciliatory steps North Korea has taken in recent years–steps suggesting that, even now, a solution lies within reach. The trick is to craft a plan that does not reward the North for its misdeeds. In such a plan, all major outside powers should guarantee the security of the entire Korean Peninsula first. This will remove Pyongyang’s excuse for nuclear proliferation–and break the deadlock on the world’s last Cold War frontier.
Afghanistan and the Future of Warfare by Stephen Biddle
The stunning success of the combination of special operations forces, precision weapons, and indigenous allies in Afghanistan has led some to laud the “Afghan model” as the future of warfare. Others dismiss it as an anomalous product of local circumstances. But neither position is wholly correct. On closer inspection, the conduct of the war was not as revolutionary as people think.
[500-word preview]
Axis of Oil? by David G. Victor and Nadejda M. Victor
Russia and the United States have settled on oil as the basis of a new partnership. This move is dangerous, however, because it ignores the divergent interests of the two countries and their inability to influence global oil markets. Indeed, war in Iraq could tear this partnership apart. A far better basis for U.S.-Russian ties would be the two nations’ durable common interest in developing and safeguarding nuclear power.
[500-word preview]
Misunderstanding Each Other by Richard Lambert
Anti-Americanism has long been a feature of the European news media, but recently the hostility has been matched on the other side of the Atlantic. Skewed media representation has widened the transatlantic rift. It is now up to the Europeans to project a better image of themselves and thereby help to restore the balance.
[500-word preview]
How Europe and America Defend Themselves by Jonathan Stevenson
The great solidarity Europe showed America after September 11 has started to wear off, and real differences have opened up in the transatlantic pursuit of homeland security. Europe’s reluctance to take necessary steps to tighten security has made America more vulnerable. And unless cooperation improves, Europe will also be increasingly at risk.
[500-word preview]
Foreign Assistance in an Aging World by Susan Raymond
Foreign aid has traditionally focused on communicable diseases and the needs of mothers and children. But now fertility rates are dropping throughout the world and populations are graying. Chronic ailments such as diabetes and heart disease will become far more widespread, placing great strain on health care budgets in developing countries. The focus of aid should change accordingly.
[500-word preview]
Israel Banks on a Fence by Yuval Elizur
Having lost faith in negotiations, most Israelis now favor separation from the Palestinians–unilaterally if necessary, and behind a wall. This makes sense. The immediate effects of separation may be painful, but in the long run, both Israelis and Palestinians will benefit from the fence between them.
[500-word preview]
America Discovers Central Asia by Charles William Maynes
The September 11 terrorist attacks and their aftermath have spurred a renewed U.S. interest in Central Asia. Despite official rhetoric, America is likely to remain militarily engaged there for some time. To manage this relationship effectively, Washington needs a better grasp on the realities of this complex and troubled region.
[500-word preview]
Reviews & Responses
Crisis in the Caucasus by Charles King
Why is Russia hopelessly mired in Chechnya? A new book skillfully details the history of the conflict, but it also goes astray in its often groundless invective.
Why Do They Hate Us? by Walter Russell Mead
Two wise books by French authors take a critical look at France’s tradition of America-bashing and try to explain its persistence.