Content

In-Depth Research & Reports

Oct 29, 2020

Colombia’s shale resource potential

By John D. Padilla

An exploration of the necessary conditions for successful shale development in Colombia.

Colombia Energy & Environment

Issue Brief

Oct 28, 2020

2020 election scenarios: Implications for American foreign policy

By Barry Pavel

The outcome of the US presidential election in November will reverberate throughout the world. It will have a direct impact on US allies and partners, as well as structural implications for the global system. Will the United States continue to play its post-World War II international leadership role? Or will Washington continue its steady retreat from international commitments?

China Elections
State on the cusp

Report

Oct 23, 2020

States on the cusp: Overcoming illicit trade’s corrosive effects in developing economies

By Mark Shaw, Tuesday Reitano, Simone Haysom, Peter Tinti

The report “States on the cusp” explores the complex ways in which the illicit trade in otherwise licit goods (including alcohol, pharmaceuticals, luxury goods, cigarettes, electronics, and much more) threatens the stability, security, and prosperity of vulnerable states around the world, especially in the Global South. This groundbreaking study at the nexus of illicit trade, organized crime, and official corruption proposes actionable solutions for combating illicit trade and bringing states back from the cusp of functionality.

Corruption Economy & Business

Issue Brief

Oct 22, 2020

Central African Republic: Ground zero for Russian influence in Central Africa

By Nathalia Dukhan

The Kremlin has rapidly exploited the recent absence of Western involvement in the Central African Republic. Russian propaganda arms and security forces are propping up the country's embattled leader in exchange for decisive influence in the region.

Conflict Corruption

In-Depth Research & Reports

Oct 15, 2020

Revitalizing the WTO

By Clete R. Willems

WTO reform is especially important now since it would provide an efficient way to tackle China’s unfair trade practices head-on. This paper proposes concurrent measures that the United States and European Union can take to revitalize the WTO.

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

Report

Oct 9, 2020

Effective resilience and national strategy: Lessons from the pandemic and requirements for key critical infrastructures

By Franklin D. Kramer

A US national strategy for "effective resilience," the capacity to prepare for and withstand shocks of the magnitude of a major pandemic or equivalent such as a major cyberattack with any resulting disruption significantly less than that caused by COVID-19.

Coronavirus Crisis Management
Mediterranean

Report

Oct 7, 2020

Value beyond price: Prioritizing political stability and regional integration when financing Mediterranean gas

By Olgu Okumuş

A comprehensive overview of the tensions surrounding natural gas resources in the Eastern Mediterranean which argues that development projects must take into account geopolitical rivalries as a reality in determining how to leverage East Med gas by mobilizing the power of multilateral dialogue platforms and international development banks.

Europe & Eurasia European Union

Issue Brief

Oct 7, 2020

The Maduro-Hezbollah Nexus: How Iran-backed Networks Prop up the Venezuelan Regime

By Joseph M. Humire

Introduction In the face of another fated sham election in Venezuela, countries throughout the Americas and Europe are focusing on the many illicit tactics Nicolás Maduro uses to hold on to power. Top among them: the far-reaching illicit networks that prop up the Maduro regime. This includes armed groups that control vast swaths of territory, […]

Americas Conflict

Report

Oct 5, 2020

Lubyanka federation: How the FSB determines the politics and economics of Russia

By The Dossier Center

The FSB is one of Russia’s most closed government agencies, its work cloaked in secrecy. This report lifts the veil on how the organization works.

Corruption Defense Industry

Report

Oct 5, 2020

The politics of internet security: Private industry and the future of the web

By Justin Sherman

The private sector plays a crucial role in defining the changing shape of the Internet, especially its security. This report examines two protocols as examples of private sector influence over presently vulnerable systems key to the Internet’s function: the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), used to route Internet traffic, and the Domain Name System (DNS), used to address Internet traffic.

Cybersecurity Internet