In an effort to consider what the U.S. can do to mitigate threats to the relatively new battlefield of cyberspace, this chapter calls readers' attention to how critical infrastructure and software breaches often happen. Next, the chapter... more
In an effort to consider what the U.S. can do to mitigate threats to the relatively new battlefield of cyberspace, this chapter calls readers' attention to how critical infrastructure and software breaches often happen. Next, the chapter engages with questions regarding who can help us to learn from the breaches further. An answer is provided in light of the ideal type of the 'Cyber Leader'-defined herein as someone who demonstrates craft expertise in the practice of cybersecurity (construed in light of MacIntyrean Business Ethics) to promote the internal goods of privacy and security. A partial account of what virtues cyber leaders require is also sketched before chapter conclusions are drawn.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the risks of an over-concentration of supply chains in one country. It has motivated stakeholders to pursue diversification strategies. However, a paradox exists. Stakeholders have shied away from a... more
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the risks of an over-concentration of supply chains in one country. It has motivated stakeholders to pursue diversification strategies. However, a paradox exists. Stakeholders have shied away from a complete decoupling and preferring to selectively enhance economic ties with China. This article explores this paradox by examining supply chain concentration in China as a form of asymmetric interdependence and the countermeasures from the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India to minimize vulnerabilities. It argues that while the COVID-19 disruptions have brought to light the risk of supply chain overconcentration in China, countermeasures are also driven by coercive diplomacy and the deepening U.S.-China rivalry. The paper also examines the feasibility of diversification efforts by focusing on the capacity and capabilities of alternative supply chain hubs. It finds that while states are actively seeking ways to prevent China from using asymmetric interdependence of supply chains and trade to gain political leverage, there are structural limits to the degree of diversification in the short to mid-term.
The ongoing competition for world super-hegemony between the United States and China will determine international relations along the XXI century. Its consequences over Peace and International Security (in the sense used in the United... more
The ongoing competition for world super-hegemony between the United States and China will determine international relations along the XXI century. Its consequences over Peace and International Security (in the sense used in the United Nations Charter) manifest themselves in current political and military developments taking place in the Indo-Pacific, including a strategic arms race. States in the Indo-Pacific will be the first to experience direct or indirect pressure from Beijing and Washington to accommodate their foreign policies to their demands for alignment. This article approaches this confrontation from analysis categories developed by Graham Allison in his book “Destined for War: can America and China escape Thucydides trap?”, in particular the dynamics leading to war among previous contenders for hegemony. It also deals with Chinese developments that could exacerbate confrontation and their consequences for the global order. It concludes with reflections on a possible course of action for Chile.
Written soon after the 2020 U.S. presidential election, this essay looks ahead to the Great Power Competition challenges to be faced by the Biden administration – on China; on foreign policy, diplomacy, and the Foreign Service; and "the... more
Written soon after the 2020 U.S. presidential election, this essay looks ahead to the Great Power Competition challenges to be faced by the Biden administration – on China; on foreign policy, diplomacy, and the Foreign Service; and "the new informational challenges."
Összefoglalás: A Nyugat-Balkán országainak politikai stabilitását külső és belső tényezők egyaránt befolyásolják, melyek hatást gyakorolnak a gazdasági fejlődésre. Míg a transzatlanti integráció hagyományosan növeli a politikai... more
Összefoglalás: A Nyugat-Balkán országainak politikai stabilitását külső és belső tényezők egyaránt befolyásolják, melyek hatást gyakorolnak a gazdasági fejlődésre. Míg a transzatlanti integráció hagyományosan növeli a politikai stabilitást és a befektetői bizalmat, addig a térségben tapasztalható nagyhatalmi befolyásszerzési törekvések hátráltatják azt. A trendelemzésen túl számos indikátor is rendelkezésünkre áll a politikai stabilitás megállapításához, azonban ezek alkalmazhatósága korlátos. Ennek áthidalására az elemzésben saját definíciós keretet alkalmazunk a nyugat-balkáni országok politikai-gazdasági helyzetképének elemzéséhez, mellyel kontextusba helyezve értékelhetjük a térséget.
US-China tensions over global supremacy escalated over the last years, increasing the likelihood of a future conflict. However, open conflict would have costly consequences for both sides due to the countries’ deep economic... more
US-China tensions over global supremacy escalated over the last years, increasing the likelihood of a future conflict. However, open conflict would have costly consequences for both sides due to the countries’ deep economic interconnectedness. Against this backdrop, the book addresses the question how high the incentives for both sides are to avoid conflict and continue cooperation out of economic considerations.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the risks of an over-concentration of supply chains in one country. It has motivated stakeholders to pursue diversification strategies. However, a paradox exists. Stakeholders have shied away from a... more
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the risks of an over-concentration of supply chains in one country. It has motivated stakeholders to pursue diversification strategies. However, a paradox exists. Stakeholders have shied away from a complete decoupling and preferring to selectively enhance economic ties with China. This article explores this paradox by examining supply chain concentration in China as a form of asymmetric interdependence and the countermeasures from the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India to minimize vulnerabilities. It argues that while the COVID-19 disruptions have brought to light the risk of supply chain overconcentration in China, countermeasures are also driven by coercive diplomacy and the deepening U.S.-China rivalry. The paper also examines the feasibility of diversification efforts by focusing on the capacity and capabilities of alternative supply chain hubs. It finds that while states are actively seeking ways to prevent China from using asymmetric inter...
The takeaways from the draft US-Sri Lanka SOFA clearly indicate that the Government of Sri Lanka is considerably restricted and handicapped from oversight into US military activities on its soil.
Reviews the challenges for U.S. Public Diplomacy in 2019 -- scant hope of additional resources, long vacancies in the position of Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, new challenges confront organizational... more
Reviews the challenges for U.S. Public Diplomacy in 2019 -- scant hope of additional resources, long vacancies in the position of Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, new challenges confront organizational inertia, and unrealistic hopes of using Public Diplomacy as a development tool. The international environment is shifting toward Great Power Competition, while America's domestic divisions undermine the old framework of "telling America's story to the world." These present worthy challenges for America's Public Diplomacy practitioners.
An “interview” between a field historian and a Marine Corps non-commissioned officer after an initial, contained clash “inside the WEZ” (weapons engagement zone) in “2026.” Planning for dispersed operations must look at more than... more
An “interview” between a field historian and a Marine Corps non-commissioned officer after an initial, contained clash “inside the WEZ” (weapons engagement zone) in “2026.” Planning for dispersed operations must look at more than weapons, communications, logistical support, and deployment. Dealing with local authorities, politicians, and people; interpreting and translating; the local and international media; nearby emergency medical care; and “tourists” must be factored into plans too.