Recent Publications

Rethinking Leadership and “Whole of Government” National Security Reform: Problems, Progress, and Prospects
May 1, 2010 — Authors: Dr Joseph R Cerami, Dr Jeffrey A Engel The authors in this book share the viewpoint of many in the international and public affairs communities--that our theories, concepts, and practices for understanding America's role in the world and the U.S. ability to implement effective and ethical national security policies do not seem to be... MORE

Untangling a New Gordian Knot: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and Alexander’s Sword
May 1, 2010 — Authors: Prof Douglas C Lovelace Jr, Dr Leonard Wong Each month a member of the SSI faculty writes an editorial for our monthly newsletter. This is the Op-Ed for the May 2010 newsletter.Read Now MORE

Cover for Untangling a New Gordian Knot: Don't Ask, Don’t Tell, and Alexander’s Sword

Decisionmaking In Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: The Strategic Shift of 2007
May 1, 2010 — Author: Dr Steven Metz In this second volume of the series, Dr. Metz looks carefully at the 2007 decision to surge forces into Iraq, a choice which is generally considered to have been effective in turning the tide of the war from potential disaster to possible—perhaps probable—strategic success. Although numerous strategic decisions remain to be... MORE

Towards a U.S. Army Officer Corps Strategy for Success: Employing Talent
May 1, 2010 — Authors: LTC Michael J Colarusso, COL David S Lyle, COL Casey Wardynski Efficient talent employment is at the core of the Army Officer Human Capital Model. However, the Army’s current employment paradigm is unequal to the needs of a professional, volunteer Army facing the twin challenges of a competitive labor market and an increasingly complex... MORE

Sufism in Northern Nigeria: A Force for Counter-Radicalization?
May 1, 2010 — Author: Dr Jonathan N C Hill In light of the ongoing threats issued by al-Qaeda (AQ) against the United States and its allies, the need to prevent the radicalization of young Muslim men and women remains as pressing as ever, and perhaps nowhere is this task more urgent than in the countries of West Africa. The global expanse of the ongoing war on... MORE

Implications of a Changing NATO
May 1, 2010 — Author: COL Phillip R Cuccia NATO officials plan to unveil the new NATO Strategic Concept during the Alliance’s summit in Portugal at the end of this year. This monograph focuses on the impact of what the Strategic Concept will have on the Alliance. This analysis describes recent trends within NATO and their implications. The monograph provides... MORE

Arms Sales to Taiwan: Enjoy the Business While It Lasts
May 1, 2010 — Author: Dr David Lai From our "Of Interest" occasional paper series, the author examines recent threats from China over arms sales to Taiwan.Read Now MORE

Shades of CORDS in the Kush: The False Hope of “Unity of Effort” in American Counterinsurgency
April 1, 2010 — Author: Mr Henry Nuzum Counterinsurgency (COIN) requires an integrated military, political, and economic program best developed by teams that field both civilians and soldiers. These units should operate with some independence but under a coherent command. In Vietnam, after several false starts, the United States developed an effective unified... MORE

Short of General War: Perspectives on the Use of Military Power in the 21st Century
April 1, 2010 — Author: Dr Harry R Yarger At the end of the first decade of the 21st century, the United States is involved in two ongoing wars, faces a significant international terrorist threat, and is witnessing an escalation of international resistance to its leadership of the global world order. Looking out to 2025, many see the potential for a prolonged... MORE

Reviewing the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT)
April 1, 2010 — Author: Mr Henry D Sokolski As currently interpreted, it is difficult to see why the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) warrants much support as a nonproliferation convention. Most foreign ministries, including that of Iran and the United States, insist that Article IV of the NPT recognizes the “inalienable right” of all states to develop... MORE

The Goose and the Gander
April 1, 2010 — Author: Dr Cori E Dauber Each month a member of the SSI faculty writes an editorial for our monthly newsletter. This is the Op-Ed for the April 2010 newsletter.Read Now MORE

The Construction of Liberal Democracy: The Role of Civil-Military Institutions in State and Nation-Building in West Germany and South Africa
April 1, 2010 — Author: Dr Jack J Porter Recent experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan remind U.S. policymakers of the tremendous obstacles and challenges that confront states as they attempt to install liberal, democratic political institutions. The multifaceted transition process involves a host of overlapping and interrelated political, economic, and social... MORE