Thirty years after the end of the Cold War, the issue of armament and arms control is once again playing an important role, as the recent failure of the INF Treaty, the last mainstay of nuclear arms control, clearly showed. It is a symptom of a new great-power politics that is increasingly shaping the international system.
Show table of contentsThe End of Arms Control?
Content
The End of Arms Control?
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Editorial of the issue "The End of Arms Control?"
It is back: thirty years after the end of the Cold War, the issue of armament and arms control is once again playing an important role, as the recent failure of the INF Treaty, the last mainstay of nuclear arms control, clearly showed.
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Europe Needs Strategic Autonomy!
If the EU wants to be more than a mere accessory of one of the new superpowers in today’s international system, and is not only determined to protect itself from the effects of a new political bipolarity, but also to have and develop its own sphere of influence and action in this new world order, then it needs the capabilities, processes, instruments, and mechanisms to make this happen – it needs strategic autonomy.
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The Beginning of the End?
The Collapse of the INF Treaty between Russia and the US
It sounds like the 1980s all over again: Russia has in all likelihood breached its treaty obligations by deploying intermediate-range missiles, and now Europe is talking about an increased security threat. The US also seems to have lost interest in nuclear arms control. This means it is probably unrealistic to expect a successor to the INF Treaty, but there are some pragmatic solutions that could prevent a resumption of the arms race.
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Between Arms Race and Alliance
How Pakistan and China Are Driving Indian Defence Policy
Although India’s national security has since its independence in 1947 been endangered by conflicts with its neighbours, Pakistan and China, above all others it is the latter that has become the benchmark of Indian defence measures. The Indian military must undergo extensive reforms if it is to remain prepared for future challenges. Internationally, ambitious India hopes to maintain its strategic autonomy and avoid dependence on world powers.
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An Old Friend Is Back
Russian Military Cooperation in Africa
Russia’s military cooperation in Africa has hit the headlines over recent months. Since 2009, the former Soviet power has shown renewed interest in Africa and has begun to restore its old ties on the continent. Moscow’s aim is to gain access to Africa’s energy and raw material markets in exchange for arms. A glance at its engagement on the continent quickly reveals that Russia is now a force to be reckoned with in the global competition for influence in Africa.
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Too Big to Fail
Toward a US-German Partnership on Turkey
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is often cast as a black-and-white villain rather than an actor in a complex story. Lost in the simplification are key questions about the relationship between Turkey and the West. To stabilize the Middle East, the West needs Turkey now more than ever. In the foreign policy realm, there are few areas in which President Donald Trump and Berlin are as closely aligned as in their assessment of the alliance with Turkey as “Too Big to Fail”. However, the United States and Germany have thus far moved in parallel rather than in combination in their diplomacy with Turkey, leaving an integrated strategy out of reach.
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“There’s a danger that things operating at machine speed can spin out of control.”
An Interview with Dr. Frank Sauer, Senior Researcher in Political Science at the Bundeswehr (Federal Armed Forces) University Munich
Other Topics
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2030 Agenda: The Courage to Achieve Sustainability
Germany needs a public discussion on a broad approach towards sustainability. This is not a call for a backward-looking “ecological agenda”, but instead for overdue reforms regarding economic modernisation, climate protection, and innovation so that more people can live in peace, liberty, and prosperity. The courage to achieve sustainability is necessary if we are to look boldly to the future. The 2030 Agenda shows us the way.
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Environmental Migration: A Challenge for Security Policy
It is generally well known that people may be forced to leave their homes due to violent conflict or a lack of economic prospects. But what about droughts, water shortages, and the impact of rising sea levels on islands and coastal areas? From a security policy perspective, it is advisable to take a closer look at migration movements that are directly or indirectly linked to climate change, the effects of which can be observed worldwide. After all, these effects have the potential to exacerbate current instabilities and to destabilise other countries and regions.
About this series
International Reports (IR) is the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's periodical on international politics. It offers political analyses by our experts in Berlin and from more than 100 offices across all regions of the world. Contributions by named authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editorial team.
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Editor
Dr. Gerhard Wahlers
ISBN
0177-7521
Benjamin Gaul
Head of the Department International Reports and Communication
