http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/rss/15 This feed contains all new content on the Chatham House website related to Russia and Eurasia. http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/948/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/948/ 13:00, 10th October 2008 - The recent conflict in Georgia poses searching questions for Ukraine, which will require strong political leadership to answer effectively. After months of wrangling, however, Ukraine's ruling parliamentary coalition has formally collapsed amid accusations of a 'constitutional coup' and even high treason. As political deadlock seizes Ukraine once more, the domestic and foreign policy agenda for Ukraine is looking increasingly challenging. Taras Kuzio, a leading expert on Ukrainian politics, will discuss the political crisis in Ukraine, and the implications of the Georgia conflict. This event is by invitation only. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:44:46 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/947/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/947/ 13:00, 20th October 2008 - The recent conflict in Georgia will have complex and paradoxical consequences for security in the Caucasus region. For some actors, though by no means all, Russia's show of force may discourage attempts to contest its policy in the region. The subsequent recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, however, could embolden separatist movements within the Russian Federation itself, and further south in Nagorno-Karabakh. Meanwhile the internal security of Georgia is now also uncertain. This event is by invitation only. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:29:01 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/ia/archive/view/-/id/2310/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/ia/archive/view/-/id/2310/ Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:12:42 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/ia/archive/view/-/id/2309/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/ia/archive/view/-/id/2309/ This article frames the discussion of the 'state of war' in this issue of International Affairs. Beginning by noting the continued recurrence of 'traditional' modes of war along side so-called 'new wars' and calling to aid Rousseau's brutal satire of 1756, The state of war, the article offers a discussion of three 'responses' to the reality of war in international relations-the heroic response, the realpolitik response and the compassionate response-and argues that a synthesis between them characterizes the general approach to war in any historical period. It then considers how the contemporary synthesis might be viewed and offers thoughts on the articles in this issue in the light of this suggestion. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:07:14 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/470/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/470/ The current financial crisis should come as no surprise, writes Dr Paola Subacchi in this month's The World Today. As early as 2004 structural cracks became apparent and now the stability of the international financial system is at stake. The ultimate goal is to prevent a systemic crisis but it is not clear who should take the lead. Also in this month's issue: Martin Plaut, Africa Editor of the BBC World Service, examines the crisis facing South Africa following the removal of President Thabo Mbeki from office. He concludes that what is at stake is the question of whether the judiciary is above political interference. Romilly Gregory of Oxfam explains how cheap mobile phone devices and mobile internet services are fast-becoming critical tools in helping a billion people around the world. Other articles look at Russia and Georgia and the international arms trade. More about The World Today >> Full list of contents: Financial Crisis: Panic, Blame and Crash Avoidance Paola Subacchi Economic Crisis: Down They Fall Vanessa Rossi Russia and Georgia: A Dangerous GameJames Sherr Moscow's Domestic Policy: Russian Roulette Lilia Shevtsova Georgia, Russia and Energy: Going for Gas John Roberts Two-Tier NATO: Alliance DividedTimo Noetzel and Benjamin Schreer Food Reserves: Just One Failed Harvest...Daryll E Ray and Harwood D Schaffer Mobile Phones: Dialling Change Romilly Gregory South African Judicary: Threat to JusticeMartin Plaut South Africa's Leadership: Uncertain Future James Hamill International Arms Trade Treaty: Gun Control Paul Cornish Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:56:19 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/666/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/666/ This is a summary of a meeting held at Chatham House on 16 September 2008. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:41:23 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/664/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/664/ The recent war in Georgia will have both positive and negative consequences for Russia's economy. Doubts over the future viability of energy transit routes through Georgia should assist Russia's market power in Europe, and strengthen its bargaining power vis-à-vis neighbouring oil and gas suppliers. In the longer term, however, the conflict may increase the perceived risk of conducting business in Russia and deter foreign investment. A best guess at the overall economic impact has a long-run net negative effect, superimposed on other factors slowing Russian growth. This briefing note forms part of the series - 'Six Perspectives on the Georgia Conflict'. Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:02:40 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/663/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/663/ Publicly unequivocal in its support for Georgia, the US is privately alarmed by President Mikheil Saakashvili's unpredictability and rashness. This may prompt a re-examination of the risks attached to Georgia's NATO candidature. As for Russia, the US is deeply concerned over the intentions of the regime, and uncertain about the most effective counter policy. The real challenge for the US is how to manage a Russia displaying a dangerous combination of vulnerability and over-confidence. This briefing note forms part of the series - 'Six Perspectives on the Georgia Conflict'. Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:00:53 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/662/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/662/ Following the Georgia conflict, Russia's policy towards the EU has been proactive, coherent, and well-articulated. European policy has been none of these things. Europe instinctively clings to the old paradigm of relations with Russia, which does not demand strategic goals to be formulated. The EU must find the courage to address the new reality, and give a greater strategic focus to its dealings with Russia. This briefing note forms part of the series - 'Six Perspectives on the Georgia Conflict'. Tue, 30 Sep 2008 08:59:14 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/661/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/661/ Across Eurasia, recent events have complicated the security agenda. Russia's show of force may deter external actors from contesting its policy towards neighbouring countries; however the subsequent recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia could embolden separatist movements within the Russian Federation itself, and further south in Nagorno-Karabakh. The internal security of Georgia is also now uncertain; the current show of national unity may soon dissipate as increasingly critical questions are asked about poor, if not rash, decision-making in Tbilisi. This briefing note forms part of the series - 'Six Perspectives on the Georgia Conflict'. Tue, 30 Sep 2008 08:57:35 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/660/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/660/ The true driver of Russia's foreign agenda is the domestic situation. The Russian ruling class has returned to a traditional matrix of power which cannot exist without spheres of influence, macho posturing and the search for an enemy. The war provides essential support for the status quo, a status quo which is destroying all modernising impulses. However, the reserves of power and legitimacy needed to maintain this matrix are not unlimited; at some point the elite will face a choice between reform and collapse. The war in Georgia has brought forward this new moment of truth. This briefing note forms part of the series - 'Six Perspectives on the Georgia Conflict'. Tue, 30 Sep 2008 08:55:37 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/659/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/659/ Culpability in this conflict is not equal, but it is shared. Mikheil Saakashvili's decision to respond with force to Russian-sponsored provocation was rash and ill-considered. Russia, which primed the mechanism for the August war, has succeeded in transforming the political and military landscape in the south Caucasus. The West, which also carries responsibility for its policy failures in the region, has given some indications of a more positive approach. The task ahead is to strengthen the security of Russia's neighbours, restore confidence, and create the conditions in which Russia starts to question the value of a foreign policy based on 'spheres of influence'. This briefing note forms part of the series - 'Six Perspectives on the Georgia Conflict'. Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:04:02 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/932/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/932/ 16:30, 9th October 2008 - Can a peaceful settlement to the territorial dispute in Georgia be found? Or was this conflict the first act in a prolonged confrontation between Russia and the West? In advance of international talks on the conflict to take place in Geneva, three experts on the Caucasus and Russian foreign policy, will discuss the implications of the August conflict for the future of Georgia, Russia and the region as a whole. Please register by Monday 6 October. E-tickets will be sent out on Tuesday 7 October. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:03:51 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/918/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/918/ 13:00, 16th September 2008 - Western support for Georgia, and criticism of Russia, is growing, but there is little sign Russia will withdraw its 'peacekeeping' forces from Georgia's territory in the immediate term. Where does this leave Mikhail Saakashvili's Government? Can Georgia retain its territorial integrity in the face of continuing occupation and the de facto secession of Abkhazia and South Ossetia? And what role can and should the West play in helping to seek a resolution to the crisis? This roundtable will provide an invaluable opportunity to discuss Georgia's future with an experienced foreign policy analyst and senior member of President Saakashvili's cabinet. This event is strictly by invite only. Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:45:03 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/conferences/view/-/id/136/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/conferences/view/-/id/136/ 23:00, 11th May 2009 - Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:45:17 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/908/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/908/ 23:00, 1st September 2008 - 14 August was Dmitri Medvedev's 100th day in office as President of Russia. Dvoevlastiye (dual power) with Prime Minister Putin has clearly not worked out as Medvedev might have wished with Putin's role as prominent as doubters warned. This has clearly been seen in the recent crisis in the Caucasus, but the Kremlin's renewed agenda in its domestic affairs has also shown the West that Russia's modus operandi has changed little with the passing of the presidential baton. This event is strictly by invitation only. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:59:20 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/907/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/907/ 13:00, 8th October 2008 - Westward transport of Central Asian hydrocarbons has been the cornerstone of Kazakhstan's remarkable economic growth, as well as having positive effects in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. But the map has been changed and the rules are being rewritten so that 'Central Asia Energy Security' becomes a possible contradiction in terms once more. The speaker will suggest that Russia will remain the main importer of Central Asian gas, underlining its continued strategic presence in the region. This event is strictly by invitation only. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:46:15 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/books/view/-/id/965/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/books/view/-/id/965/ This book sets the ongoing saga of Caspian pipeline politics against the background of global energy security. Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:24:01 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/books/view/-/id/964/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/books/view/-/id/964/ This book examines the interaction between Russia, China and the West in the central zone of Eurasia. Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:20:31 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/459/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/459/ As the Universal Declaration of Human Rights approaches its sixtieth anniversary, this month's The World Today looks at the status of human rights worldwide. Louise Arbour, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights 2004-8, writes that while there may be much to celebrate, the goal of making human rights truly universal is far from being achieved. Profound and deepening divisions between rich and poor, a security environment that exposes minorities to additional risks, and an expanded UN membership, have all amplified and exacerbated cultural, religious and political divisions especially on issues such as human rights. Against this background of shifting interests and values, in the name of which, all too often, discrimination is perpetrated, international human rights law provides the best, most reliable and fairest guide for managing and protecting multiple identities. The task now is not only to prompt states to give real effect to human rights but also to create a constituency for the middle ground where different national and regional interests, concerns and experiences can meet, be reconciled and directed to honour the purpose of the Universal Declaration. This will ensure future generations are better equipped to uphold the Declaration's universal principles. Read article. More about The World Today >> Full list of contents: Human Rights Anniversary: Without Want or Fear Louise Arbour China and Human Rights: Power to the People Kerry Brown Rights in Africa: Why Africa? Bonita C. Meyersfield Children's Rights: Young and Vulnerable Mary Buckley Islam and Human Rights: In the Name of Islam Maha Azzam United States and Human Rights: Ending Lapse into Lawlessness Kenneth Roth US Presidential Election: Choice or Echo? Robert Singh UN and EU Terrorist Blacklists: I've Got a Little List Monika Heupel Book Review: Punishing the Wicked David Bentley Ukraine and NATO: Destination Unknown James Sherr Angola Elections: Back to Ballots Indira Campos Politically-Capped Reserves: Let the Oil Flow? Daniel Litvin Securing Electricty: Blackout Bill Durodié Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:37:15 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/books/view/-/id/963/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/books/view/-/id/963/ This book provides a fresh analysis of the Sino-Russian relationship, arguing that it reflects a new geopolitics that eschews formal alliances in favour of more flexible and opportunistic arrangements. Tue, 29 Jul 2008 10:50:57 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/458/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/458/ In this issue of International Afffairs, Thomas Hegghammer traces the history of the Saudi jihadist movement. Based on primary sources and extensive fieldwork in the Kingdom, the article argues that jihadism in Saudi Arabia differs from jihadism in the Arab republics as it's driven primarily by extreme pan-Islamism and not socio-revolutionary ideology. The article also traces the outbreak - and failure - of the 2003 terrorist campaign by 'Al-Qaeda on the Arabian Peninsula' (QAP). This campaign was made possible by the presence in 2002 of a critical mass of returnees from Afghanistan, a clever two-track strategy by Al-Qaeda, and systemic weaknesses in the Saudi security apparatus. The near-absence of violence in the Kingdom before 2003 was due to Al-Qaeda's weak infrastructure in the early 1990s and bin Laden's 1998 decision to suspend operations to preserve local networks. Now, the Saudi regime is more stable and self-confident - and therefore less inclined to democratic reform -than it has been in many years. Read article. Full list of contents: The Responsibility to Protect and the Problem of Military Intervention Alex J Bellamy Righting the Course? Humanitarian Intervention, the 'War on Terror' and the Future of Afghanistan Fatima Ayub and Sari Kouvo The Vienna Negotiations on the Final Status of Kosovo Marc Weller Iran Under Ahmadinejad: Populism and its Malcontents Ali Ansari Islamist Violence and Regime Stability in Saudi Arabia Thomas Hegghammer 'An Enemy at the Gates' or 'From Victory to Victory'? Russian Foreign Policy Andrew Monaghan Security and Democracy: The ASEAN Charter and the Dilemmas of Regionalism in South-East Asia David Martin Jones Using Negotiation to Promote Legitimacy: An Assessment of Proposals for Reforming the WTO Cecilia Albin The Dynamics of British Military Transformation Theo Farrell The End of Impunity? Lessons from Sierra Leone Gillian Wigglesworth Book Reviews Other Books Received Index of Books Reviewed Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:21:50 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/644/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/644/ This is a Seminar Summary of an event held under the Chatham House Rule, at Chatham House on 5 June 2008. Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:38:46 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/643/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/643/ This is a summary of a roundtable meeting held at Chatham House on 30 June 2008. Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:34:12 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/640/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/640/ This is a summary of a speech given by Dr David Woodruff, London School of Economics, at an event held at Chatham House on 24 June 2008. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:19:22 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/456/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/456/ As President Sarkozy prepares to reinvigorate the regional arrangement between the EU and the Mediterranean - the Barcelona Process - Claire Spencer argues in Europe and the Mediterranean: Eyeing Other Shores, that the project is flawed having failed 'to escape its underlying logic: that it is a European initiative'. As such, the process has been designed to meet Europe's own regional objectives rather than foster cooperation and integration. It is not clear why there is a need for another regional Mediterranean Partnership. The slow results of existing efforts suggest the current framework could be part of the problem as much as the solution. And yet, President Sarkozy has gone to great lengths in promoting his new framework for regional cooperation, soon to be adopted by the EU. With France leading the union's initial launch and project selection, there are grave suspicions that it will be used to advance French commercial interests under an EU umbrella. To survive, the scheme must be flexible and new mechanisms will be needed to overcome the deficiencies of the Barcelona Process itself, as well as its new addition. It must be visible through the direct engagement of those most immediately motivated by shared interests on both sides of the Mediterranean. More about The World Today >> Full list of contents: European Union Treaty: Trust the PeopleRobin Shepherd Ireland No Vote: Ways Out of the Irish Puzzle Thomas Legge Europe and the Mediterranean: Eyeing Other Shores Claire Spencer South Africa: Fundamental Failures Merle Lipton Book Review: Good for Government Alex Vines Small Arms: Gun Control Eric Berman The Gulf in the G8 Agenda: Top Table Time? Vanessa Rossi and Ruth Davis Saudi Arabia's Foreign Policy: Discreet Persuasion Neil Partrick Energy for Asia: Chasing Pipe Dreams Elizabeth Mills Burma after the Cyclone: Making a Disaster Out of a Cyclone Ashley South Analysing North Korea: Big Wheel Turning Rudiger Frank Profile - Sir Richard Dearlove: Overestimating Al Qaeda?Sean Armstrong Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:44:40 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/878/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/878/ 07:00, 30th September 2008 - The next stage of Russia's development will have important consequences for Western interests. Yet it is entirely possible that Russian preoccupations will not be the same as our own. What do we have to learn from our Russian counterparts, and what influence might we have? This event is strictly by invitation only. To enable as open a debate as possible, this event will be held under the Chatham House Rule Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:24:10 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/628/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/628/ This is a summary of a speech made by Vladimir Gel'man at a meeting held at Chatham House on 6 June 2008. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:55:58 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/870/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/870/ 23:00, 29th June 2008 - This is an experts' roundtable. Please note this event is strictly by invitation only. Russia's energy production and supply is inextricably linked with its economic health. A combination of prudent macroeconomic management and a high oil price has reinforced the symbiotic relationship. But an end to the good times may be on the horizon as production levels fall and inflation rises. President Dmitri Medvedev, with his experience in this sector, may have more leeway here than in other areas (such as foreign policy), and this is not a problem he will be able to ignore for long. At risk is his political survival and Russia's resurgence on the world stage. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:46:31 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/869/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/869/ 23:00, 23rd June 2008 - This is an experts' roundtable. Please note this event is strictly by invitation only. Dmitri Medvedev's administration will have to deal with a problem that his predecessor swept under the carpet. Overall levels of oil production are stagnating - recent figures show that Russia oil output fell by 1% in the first quarter of 2008. Geological and climate-related difficulties are blamed but resource depletion, whatever the reasons, will have political ramifications. A fall in demand against a reduction in supply will reinforce oil price strength. The speaker will discuss the challenges facing the Russian oil industry, and the impact stagnating production could have on government policy. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:44:27 +0100