World Politics Review: Articles

EEAS: The Birth of a European Diplomatic Corps?

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:33:00 GMT

BRUSSELS, Belgium -- With the last obstacles out of the way for the Lisbon Treaty's ratification, a race in Brussels has begun between the European Commission and the European Council to secure influence over the new European diplomatic corps. The integration of elements from the Commission and the Council is causing tensions over who will control the future service.

Militants Scatter as Pakistan Takes South Waziristan

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:29:00 GMT

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistani security forces succeeded in taking over several Taliban and al-Qaida strongholds in South Waziristan. But tribal leaders and local observers have confirmed that thousands of Pakistani Taliban, Arab al-Qaida and other foreign militants have escaped to other areas of Pakistan, raising fears that militancy will spread and escalate.

War is Boring: U.S. Army Reaches Out to Wary Afghan Farmers

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:09:00 GMT

LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- As part of a strategy to win over local farmers in this agricultural region, U.S. forces organized a veterinary outreach event at the U.S. Army outpost in Baraki Barak district. But the event, like the larger plan, hinged on farmers accepting the gift that the military and the district government were offering. And on the morning of the event, no farmers waited at the gate.

Indonesia's Yudhoyono Puts Politics over Reform

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:54:00 GMT

In announcing his 37-member cabinet last month, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono lauded his new team as "credible and accountable," and expressed confidence in its abilities. However, many experts did not join in Yudhoyono's glowing encomium, and with good reason: Most of the cabinet-level appointments seem to be based on considerations of political loyalty more than competence.

Ready or Not: China's Fifth-Generation Leaders

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:55:00 GMT

China's fifth generation of leaders is coming of age at a critical juncture in the history of the People's Republic of China. Slated to assume power in 2012-2013, they make for a diverse group in terms of class backgrounds, personal experiences, educational credentials, and career paths. Whether they will be able to achieve consensus will determine how well they face the challenges ahead.

Structural Flaws Will Limit China's Rise

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:55:00 GMT

Major economic and social problems stand in the way of China's continued rise. But while many analysts recognize that these problems exist, most ignore the ways in which China's problems are structural, and why solving them without the prospect of enormous turmoil will be difficult and even unlikely.

China as Rival, Competitor and Partner

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:54:00 GMT

China figures into virtually every major U.S. foreign policy objective -- from North Korea and Iran to economic recovery and climate change -- and plays the role of U.S. rival, competitor and partner all at the same time. Managing this complex relationship is a major policy priority for the Obama administration.

Yudhoyono's Legacy Tied to Corruption Commission Battle

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:02:00 GMT

DENPASAR, Indonesia -- The peaceful re-election of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono this year added yet another layer of political stability to Indonesia's democratization process. But a battle between the country's anti-corruption commission and the Attorney General's Office is an indicator of some of the difficulties the country still faces, and could be a legacy-defining moment for Yudhoyono.

Global Insights: Parsing China's North Korea Policy

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:46:00 GMT

BEIJING -- One of the issues President Barack Obama will discuss when he visits China next week is the deadlocked Six-Party Talks to resolve the North Korean nuclear crisis. Over time, the Chinese government has developed a stake in the talks' successful outcome as well as in maintaining a smooth negotiating process. But significant differences remain in the two parties' approach to the talks.

Russia-Saudi Relations: The Kingdom and the Bear

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:11:00 GMT

Saudi Arabia's possible purchase of at least $2 billion of Russian military equipment has the potential to be the most significant Russian arms deal in the Middle East since the Soviet Union transferred SA-2s to Nasser's Egypt. The deal may also be part of a larger process that leads to a significant realignment in the external relations of both parties.