The Rebalance to Asia Under Trump
Attempts to predict the future shape of President Donald Trump’s defence policy in the Asia-Pacific are a challenge, at best. Nevertheless, Patrick Cullen argues that, in contrast to early assumptions that he would initiate a more isolationist defence policy and break with the previous administration’s Rebalance to Asia policy, Trump is more likely to adopt a hawkish – if unpredictable – enforcement of the policy’s key defence objectives. Gauging whether the Trump administration will bring either change from, or continuity with, the military component of the Rebalance to Asia policy will require keeping an eye on each of the policy’s subcategories.
Radicalization and foreign fighters in the Kosovo context: An analysis of international media coverage of the phenomena
This working paper takes a critical look at the written coverage of issues of jihadi radicalization and foreign fighters from Kosovo, identifying key themes, assumptions, and areas where the press seems to have missed certain points. The paper is based on an extensive survey of written English-language media coverage retrieved online, secondary NGO/grey and academic literature, as well as some 50 original interviews with experts, frontline practitioners, policymakers and donors conducted in Prishtina, Brussels, or via Skype. While not attempting to provide a full picture, the paper identifies points on which the international media coverage seems to have got matters wrong, and areas where the evidence calls for greater nuancing. These include the number of foreign fighters, the reasons for radicalization and why people have travelled to Syria, as well as the government’s response.
Montenegro’s integration to EU and NATO in challenging times
Montenegro is about to become NATOs 29th member, and is the first country from the Western Balkans to join since Croatia in 2009. Minister of European Affairs of Montenegro visits NUPI to share his view of the situation.
Lunch seminar: Al-Qaida in Afghanistan - an alternative perspective
The Consortium for research on terrorism and crime has the pleasure of welcoming Anne Stenersen to talk about her book that gives a new perspective on al-Qaida.
Fighting international terrorism the French way
In this seminar Pernille Rieker will present a chapter in her forthcoming book “French Foreign Policy in a Changing world. Practicing the Grandeur”.
Life on the Frontlines of American Diplomacy
The US and North Korea are on the brink of conflict. But what does North Korea really want? Is the country aiming for a new deal with the international community? NUPI has the pleasure of hosting Ambassador Christopher R. Hill, who was Head of the U.S. delegation in the 2005 negotiations for a nuclear deal with North Korea. Through his carreer, Hill has made a huge contribution to peace and diplomacy in some of the world's most vulnerable areas.
Transformation during War: Mission possible. Ukrainian takeaways for West
NUPI has the pleasure of inviting you to this seminar where the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration will talk about the situation in the country.
Iceland’s Relations with its Regional Powers: Alignment with the EU-US sanctions
The paper examines the Icelandic government’s consideration to withdraw its support for the sanctions against Russia over Ukraine in 2015. The consideration came as a surprise to many since Iceland in the past has habitually aligned itself closely with the United States and the European Union in such matters. The Icelandic fishing industry lobbied hard for the sanctions to be lifted to avoid Russian counter-sanctions on Iceland. After considerable internal debate, the government decided to uphold the sanctions, but settled on a policy of not taking part in EU´s foreign policy declarations about the sanctions. This move is interesting given Iceland’s traditional positioning between two gravitational centres in world politics: the EU and the US. The paper discusses what this case tells us about Icelandic policymakers’ room for maneuvering in the formulation and enactment of its foreign policy, and about Iceland’s foreign policy bonds to the US and the EU.