Policy Forum

Nautilus Institute’s Policy Forum‘s focus is on the timely publication of expert analysis and op-ed style pieces on the foremost of security-related issues to Northeast Asia. Its mission is to facilitate a multilateral flow of information among an international network of policy-makers, analysts, scholars, media, and readers. Policy Forum essays are typically from a wide range of expertise, political orientations, as well as geographic regions and seeks to present readers with opinions and analysis by experts on the issues as well as alternative voices not typically presented or heard. Feedback, comments, responses from Policy Forum readers are highly encouraged.

NAPSNet, Policy Forum

Tactically Smart, Strategically Stupid: Simulated B52 Nuclear Bombings in Korea

Peter Hayes states, “Deploying nuclear capable bombers accompanied by nuclear threat rhetoric will not quell regressive proliferation sentiment in Seoul. Nor will it persuade North Korea’s leaders to desist from nuclear aggression…..quiet actions will always speak louder in Pyongyang than aggressive words.”

Peter Hayes is the Director of the Nautilus Institute and the Deterrence contributor to the NAPSNet Weekly report.

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Canada and the Halperin Plan: Temper Expectations

Paul Evans states, “the perverse challenge is that while specific agreements may be possible, a Northeast Asian regional security framework is as far away as ever. In terms of regional architecture, a more muscular ARF of the future on non-traditional security threats and an overarching East Asia Summit process may be the best mid-term bets.”

This report was originally presented at the New Approach to Security in Northeast Asia: Breaking the Gridlock workshop held on October 9th and 10th, 2012 in Washington, DC.

Paul Evans is a Professor at the Institute of Asian Research, University of British Columbia.

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Sustainable discussions

Roger Cavazos: “A war on the Korean Peninsula, even a limited one, would be an ecological disaster. Even an uneasy peace has taken an environmental toll. Discussing environmental topics is a low cost way to sow seeds for discussions between the parties on and around the Korean Peninsula. The fruits of those discussions are likely sustainable.”

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Shaping the Strategic Environment Not Bad Behaviors

Peter Hayes: “At the Asan Institute Nuclear Forum 2013, I argued that US vital interests in the region mostly don’t revolve around the DPRK. Therefore, the US should establish a framework that addresses primarily the nuclear insecurities of the five parties, not the DPRK, as the first priority.”

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A Northeast Asian TAC?

Donald Emmerson explores how the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia could provide a useful model for a comprehensive agreement on peace and security in Northeast Asia. Although unlikely in the short term in Emmerson’s view, he also explores the means by which such a treaty might be established.

This report was originally presented at the New Approach to Security in Northeast Asia: Breaking the Gridlock workshop held on October 9th and 10th, 2012 in Washington, DC.

Donald Emmerson is the Director of the Southeast Asia Forum (SEAF); Affiliated Faculty, CDDRL; Affiliated Scholar, Abbasi Program in Islamic Studies; and Senior Fellow Emeritus, FSI at Stanford University.

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Money doesn’t grow on trees

Money doesn’t grow on trees

by Nikhil Desai – Energy Security Contributor
Rich countries see a macro-economic paradox of near-free debt and slow growth, in…

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China 1, Japan 0. Allies beware

China 1, Japan 0. Allies beware

by Richard Tanter – Austral Peace and Security Contributor
Japan has a talent for border disputes: it has one with all of its neighbours: the Senkakus…

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Deterrence Using All Elements of Power

In this short report Walter Sharp assesses the elements of power that the ROK, U.S. and other countries (most importantly China) should implement in order to deter North Korea from military provocations and attacks.

General Walter Sharp (Ret.) commanded the United Nations Command, Republic of Korea – United States Combined Forces Command, and United States Forces Korea from 3 June 2008 to 14 July 2011. He is currently consulting for Monitor National Security Practice, SK Engineering and Construction, and involved in strategy and policy discussions at several D.C. area Think Tanks.

This report was originally presented at the New Approach to Security in Northeast Asia: Breaking the Gridlock workshop held on October 9th and 10th, 2012 in Washington, DC.

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Developing-country organizations and climate change adaptation

Developing-country organizations and climate change adaptation

by Saleem Janjua – Climate Change Adaptation Contributor
Climate change adaptation is rising as a management priority for public and private …

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Impact on Nuclear Extended Deterrence

In this short report, Michael Schiffer raises three critical issues regarding extended deterrence in Northeast Asia: first, the security challenges extended deterrence is intended to address; second, the differing perspectives and interests of the players in the system; and finally, the interplay of shifting strategic considerations and a stable security settlement leading to a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.

Michael Schiffer is a Senior Advisor and Counselor to the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

This report was originally presented at the New Approach to Security in Northeast Asia: Breaking the Gridlock workshop held on October 9th and 10th, 2012 in Washington, DC. 

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