Regional Issues

The Lessons of History: The Chinese people's Liberation Army at 75 Ms Laurie Burkitt, Dr Andrew Scobell, Dr Larry M Wortzel Book by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute "With the armed forces of the People’s Republic of China celebrating their 75th anniversary on August 1, 2002, it only seemed appropriate and timely to take stock of the world’s largest military. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has officially been in existence for three-quarters of a century, and its history is one filled with turmoil and warfare. One weekend in September 2002, a group of PLA specialists gathered at Carlisle Barracks, the home of the U.S. Army War College, to assess what lessons China’s soldiers had drawn from the history of their own armed forces. "

Perspectives from Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia: Hemispheric Security Dr Luiz Bitencourt, AMB Pedro Villagra Delgado, Maj Gen Henry Medina Uribe Monograph by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute "Return to democratic rule in the Southern Hemisphere since the early 1980s had many positive effects. Among them, that the principles espoused domestically by all of our societies started to be reflected in our foreign policies, particularly towards the other countries of the region. That produced a positive synergy to promote the values we shared."

Assessing the Impact of U.S.-Israeli Relations on the Arab World Dr Lenore G Martin Monograph by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute "In this important monograph, Dr. Lenore Martin of Emmanuel College addresses the challenge that U.S. policymakers face in managing relations with numerous regional allies, including Israel and a host of moderate Arab states. These states often maintain differing concerns and are responding to diverse domestic and international pressures when they seek to influence the United States. These regional concerns and interests are thoroughly analyzed throughout this monograph. Additionally, the special importance of the Palestinian question is well-represented, with nuances of regional opinion carefully reflected."

Nationalism, Sectarianism, and the Future of the U.S. Presence in Post-Saddam Iraq Dr W Andrew Terrill Monograph by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute "This monograph, by Dr. W. Andrew Terrill, addresses the critical questions involved in understanding the background of Iraqi national identity and the ways in which it may evolve in the future to either the favor or detriment of the United States. The monograph also provides particular attention to the issue of Iraqi sectarianism and the emerging role of the Shi’ite Muslims, noting the power of an emerging but fractionalized clergy. The result is a thoughtful and probing report including policy recommendations for U.S. military and civilian decisionmakers that helps to illuminate the complex subjects of Iraqi nationalism and sectarianism and their relevance to the U.S. presence in Iraq."

The United States and Colombia: The Journey from Ambiguity to Strategic Clarity Dr Gabriel Marcella Monograph by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute "There has been a remarkable turnaround in the policy of the United States towards Colombia. It has gone from an exclusive focus on counternarcotics to a comprehensive recognition of that nation’s deeply-rooted problems. The factors that drove this change are the tragic events of September 11, 2001, as well as the increased terrorism of the insurgents that threaten the state and society in Colombia. The evolution of American policy takes into account a recurring global geopolitical reality, of which Colombia is a paradigm: the problem of weak states and ungoverned space."

Strategic Effects of Conflict with Iraq: South Asia Dr Amit Gupta Monograph by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute "India and Pakistan have shied away from President Bush’s call for a military effort to change the regime in Baghdad. India’s official position was given in a joint statement during the official visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to New Delhi in December 2002. The two governments agreed that..."

Strategic Effects of Conflict with Iraq: Southeast Asia Dr Anthony L Smith Monograph by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute "The attacks of September 11, 2001, outraged governments throughout Southeast Asia, as they did around the world. All Southeast Asian countries condemned the attacks and expressed sympathy to the United States and its people. Washington sought support, in particular, from both Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks. Within days President Megawati of Indonesia made a trip to the United States—a trip that was kept on track despite a general shut down of air traffic—in which the Indonesian leader denounced terrorism. The symbolism of the leader of the world’s largest Muslim country decrying international terrorism was important to U.S. policymakers."

Strategic Effects of Conflict with Iraq: Australia and New Zealand Dr Andrew Scobell Monograph by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute "This study considers the strategic consequences of U.S. and allied military action against Iraq for the countries of Australia and New Zealand and provides some policy recommendations. The prospect of imminent U.S. military action against Iraq is of enormous interest to both Australia and New Zealand."

Strategic Effects of Conflict with Iraq: The Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey Dr W Andrew Terrill Monograph by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute "War with Iraq will signal the beginning of a new era in American national security policy and alter strategic balances and relationships around the world. The specific effects of the war, though, will vary from region to region. In some, America’s position will be strengthened. In others, it may degrade without serious and sustained efforts."