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ISN
ETH Zurich
International Relations and Security Network www.isn.ethz.ch
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This Week at ISN Our Weekly Editorial Roundup
19 23 May 2014 JUMP TO Editorial Plan | Security Watch | Blog | Video
/// 1914 and 2014
While the centenary of the First World War has led numerous analysts to draw parallels between 1914 and 2014 and to
speculate on whether a large-scale war is on the horizon others have rejected this type of analogizing as empty worst-
case thinking or worse. The critics may have a point, but if we treat 1914 as a potent reminder that events do have a way
of slipping out of our control, then it is worthwhile to look at three parts of the world this week where history might actually
repeat itself Eastern Europe, East Asia and the Middle East. More
1914 Revisited: Great Power War in the 21st Century
19 May 2014
Are the historical analogies being made between 1914 and 2014 largely bogus, especially when it comes to the possibility
of more 'Great Wars'? David Kearn thinks so. So long as the US remains the keeper of global order, the threat of force by
the likes of Moscow or Beijing is likely to be self-defeating. More
Historical Analogies in Policy-Making: Crimea, World War I and East Asia
20 May 2014
Policy-makers have long used historical analogies to shape, justify and promote their own agendas. But is it wise, for
example, to draw parallels between historical Sino-J apanese tensions and those that exist today? Not when it comes to
policymaking and its mobilizing of public opinion, says Bernard Fook Weng Loo. More
Ukraine and Three Forgotten Realities
21 May 2014
The crisis in Ukraine has been described as a 19th century event in a 21st century world. For J akub Grygiel, however,
this view forgets that history is not determined by impersonal forces, that aggression must be countered with aggression,
and that another Great War in Europe is far from unimaginable. More
Great Power Conflict in the Western Pacific: Reprise of the First World War Scenario?
22 May 2014
In many eyes, World War I resulted from cascading events i.e., isolated incidents sparked chain reactions that led to
war. Today, Walden Bello wonders whether J apanese opportunism, Chinese territorial claims and the US pivot towards
East Asia will prod the region towards a comparable fate. More
2014 in the Mediterranean and the Middle East: Desperately Looking for a Glimpse of Hope
23 May 2014
Are the Middle East and North Africa about to become areas of great power conflict? Moussa Bourebka and others dont
think so, provided everyone realizes that pursuing local hegemony isnt an option, and that they need to help lower the
region's myriad tensions. More
/// Security Watch
Shake-up Under Way in Global Drugs Policy
19 May 2014
The enthusiasm for a costly and largely ineffective global war on drugs is on the wane. According to IRIN, its being
replaced by new and different policies those that emphasize public health over prohibition and flexible local strategies
rather than generic ones. More
Implications of the US-Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement
20 May 2014
What results should we expect from the recent Philippines-US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA)?
According to Aileen Baviera, the agreement will not only enhance Manilas ability to manage its maritime disputes better, it
should also spur it to develop a minimum credible defense capability. More

EU and NATO Engagement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization: Afghanistan as a Pilot
21 May 2014
NATOs recent decision to suspend military cooperation with Russia could aggravate Afghanistans already precarious
security status, warns Marcel de Haas. To prevent that from happening, the Alliance should work to enhance its
cooperation with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. More
Qatar's Regional Ambitions and the New Emir
22 May 2014
Has Qatars new Emir maintained his fathers robust and sometimes controversial approach to regional diplomacy? Not
exactly, says Fatiha Dazi-Hni, and thats not necessarily bad. The Sheikhs more low key approach might help improve
the emirates strained ties with fellow GCC states. More
Is Brazil Losing Global Momentum?
23 May 2014
Does President Dilma Rousseffs muted response to events in Ukraine, Venezuela and elsewhere suggest that Brazil is
sidestepping its international responsibilities? Not at all, says Alistair Burnett. The country has just gone back to pursuing
its foreign policy objectives through more traditional diplomatic means. More
/// Blog
The Great Green Sea Control Fleet
19 May 2014
The Great Green Fleet project envisages a US Navy that by 2020 will meet 50% of its energy needs with alternative
fuels. Today, David Wise outlines the complexities surrounding this ambitious and increasingly controversial initiative.
More
Whats Strategy?
20 May 2014
Indeed, what is strategy and to what extent does it shape Australias real world foreign and defense policies? Today, Rod
Lyon offers his perspectives on this hotly contested topic and ultimately concludes that strategic thinking does need to play
a bigger part in Australias day-to-day policymaking. More
Spain: How a Democratic Country Can Silence its Citizens
21 May 2014
Spain has experienced an upsurge in public protests against high unemployment and government austerity measures. To
J ezerca Tiganis dismay, the heavy-handed responses to the protests, especially by Spanish security forces, have begun
to tarnish the countrys democratic credentials. More
Give Peace A Chance: Its Time to Change How International Justice Works
22 May 2014
Should the alleged perpetrators of war crimes and related forms of violence be punished at all costs? Not necessarily,
says Neil Thompson. There may be times when the restorative justice practiced by the likes of South Africa offers the
best chance of building sustainable peace. More
Friends in Many Places: Vietnams Diplomacy
23 May 2014
How has Vietnam tried to counter Chinas rise as an increasingly assertive regional power? The answer is obvious
enough, argues Felix Chang Hanoi continues to court strategic and diplomatic ties with a host of nations that share its
concerns. More
/// Video
Europe: Then and Now
In this video, Cambridge University's Christopher Clark discusses the events that precipitated the outbreak of World War I
and their possible parallels with Europe today, particularly in the wake of Russia's annexation of Crimea. More
]
Political Theory and Social Criticism
In this video, prominent ethicist Michael Walzer talks about his life and work, including his contributions to J ust War
Theory. He also shares his recent thinking on humanitarian interventions and the USs reliance on drone warfare. More
The Great War: The Soldier, the League, the Imagination
In this video, three academics and a professional photographer discuss the legacies of the First World War. In particular,
they focus on the impact post-war Austria had on the League of Nations, the ways in which art can help 'unpack' the
impact and consequences of war, and the ways in which soldiers were portrayed during and after the fighting. More
Coming Up
Next week's theme:The Future of Counterinsurgency Warfare
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