US Army War College

FEATURED PUBLICATIONS

Sun, November 8, 2009

Dealing with Political Ferment in Latin America: The Populist Revival, The Emergence of the Center, and Implications for US Policy

The author argues that references to a uniform "left turn" in the region are misleading, and that Latin America is actually witnessing a dynamic competition between two very different forms of governance. Represented by leaders like Hugo Chávez, Evo Morales, and others, radical populism emphasizes the politics of grievance and a penchant for extreme solutions. Moderate, centrist governance can be found in countries like Chile, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Uruguay where diplomatic pragmatism, the protection of democratic practices, and the need to blend macroeconomic responsibility with a social conscience are emphasized. The author argues that to the extent that the United States can strengthen these centrist governments while limiting the damage caused by radical populism it will be able to promote integral growth, democratic stability, and effective security cooperation in Latin America. A clear understanding of the trends discussed is essential to devising appropriate U.S. policies toward that region.

Sun, November 8, 2009

USSOUTHCOM Interagency Meeting on Food Security

U.S. Southern Command continuously seeks to build public-private partnerships to tackle the issues affecting national and regional security, among which is food security. This brief report discusses the conduct and findings from one recent workshop intended to promote interagency dialogue among the attending USG organizations and facilitate the development of a joint, coordinated and comprehensive plan for food security activities in Latin American and the Caribbean region.

Sun, November 8, 2009

A Comprehensive Approach to Improving U.S. Security Assistance Efforts

In this Letort Paper the authors analyze Security Force Assistance (SFA) and some specific recommendations designed to improve U.S. performance. While SFA may be a new term, the activities themselves are familiar ones related to how the Department of Defense works to train, advise, and assist foreign partners' security establishments to accomplish common objectives. The United States has demonstrated serious SFA deficiencies in recent years. As Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has noted the United States is likely to remain actively and broadly engaged in SFA for many years to come. The need for comprehensive improvement encompasses DoD military and civilian efforts and requires thoughtful integration with broader whole of government approaches.

Fri, October 30, 2009

Russian Elite Image of Iran: From Late Soviet Era to Present

Soon after the dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics increasing numbers of Russian intellectuals became disenchanted with the West, especially the United States, and began to look for alternative geopolitical alliances. The Muslim world in general and Iran in particular became especially important in the geopolitical construction of Eurasianists or neo-Eurasianists who believed that Russia's alliance with Iran is essential for Russia’s rise to power. Yet, by the middle of President Vladimir Putin’s tenure, increasing tension with the Muslim community and the rise of Russian nationalism had led to more complicated views by the Russian elite concerning Iran. At present, the Russian elite are willing to use Iran as a bargaining chip when negotiating with the West, especially the United States, and as a market for Russian weapons and other goods and services. However, the dream of a Russian-Iran axis has apparently been abandoned.

Fri, October 30, 2009

Food Security - A 21st Century Challenge?

The United Nations Development Program "Human Development Report" defined “Human Security” in terms of seven component tenets: Economic Security, Food Security, Health Security, Environmental Security, Personal Security, Community Security and Political Security. This brief paper provides a starting point for examining the full range of potential national security ramifications associated with one of those tenets, Food Security.

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