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.
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MYSTIFYING PINE GAP, DISTORTING DES BALL: NOTES ON BRIAN TOOHEY’S SECRET: THE MAKING OF AUSTRALIA’S SECURITY STATE
RICHARD TANTER JANUARY 11, 2021 I. INTRODUCTION In this essay, Richard Tanter argues that Brian Toohey misrepresents Ball’s arguments concerning Pine Gap as well as misstates or misunderstands other important factual aspects of the debate about the role of the Pine Gap facility. Richard Tanter is Senior Research Associate at the Nautilus Institute and […]
Go to the articleBIDEN’S COVID19 MULTILATERALISM AND KOREAN DENUCLEARIZATION
PETER HAYES JANUARY 3, 2021 I. INTRODUCTION In this essay, Peter Hayes suggests that: “With ROK leadership in the US-ROK alliance, it may be possible to get the Biden Administration to support substantial public health assistance and engagement of the DPRK on humanitarian grounds, in turn rebuilding trust between KJU and Biden to the […]
Go to the articleHIDING FROM THE LIGHT: THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE JOINT AUSTRALIA-UNITED STATES RELAY GROUND STATION AT PINE GAP
RICHARD TANTER NOVEMBER 2, 2019 I. INTRODUCTION In this essay, the author discusses recently released Australian cabinet papers dealing with a decision in September 1997 to allow the establishment of a Joint Australia-United States Relay Ground Station at Pine Gap to support two United States early warning satellite systems in place of its predecessor, […]
Go to the articleFROM ENEMIES TO SECURITY PARTNERS: PATHWAYS TO DENUCLEARIZATION IN KOREA
MORTON HALPERIN, PETER HAYES, THOMAS PICKERING, LEON SIGAL, PHILIP YUN JULY 6 2018 I. INTRODUCTION In this essay, the authors examine the pros and cons of shifting from enmity to a security partnership with the DPRK in which US Forces Korea might play “a pivot-deterrent role between the two Koreas as well as a stabilizing […]
Go to the articleRAPID RELIEF OF HUMANITARIAN STRESS FROM ENERGY SANCTIONS: BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND SOLAR PV MEASURES FOR RAPID INSTALLATION IN PYONGYANG
DAVID VON HIPPEL AND PETER HAYES APRIL 18, 2018 I. INTRODUCTION In this essay, the authors outline a program that could insulate about 10 percent of the household dwellings in Pyongyang and a solar-cell powered micro-grid that would demonstrate the way to rehabilitate the DPRK’s power grid, both achievable cheaply and within six months […]
Go to the articleMANAGING THE JOINT SECURITY AREA AND THE RISK OF WAR IN KOREA
PETER HAYES FEBRUARY 13, 2018 I. INTRODUCTION In this essay, Peter Hayes argues: “In short, sudden surprise events, the use of weapons, and subsequent escalation remain all too possible at the JSA. It is essential that the tension be reduced and underlying conditions that lead to defections be addressed while the Korean conflict is resolved […]
Go to the articleNUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, THE NPT AND THE BAN TREATY: PROVEN INEFFECTIVENESS VERSUS UNPROVEN NORMATIVE POTENTIAL
RAMESH THAKUR JANUARY 9, 2018 I. INTRODUCTION In this essay, Ramesh Thakur notes that “in 50 years, not one nuclear warhead has been eliminated as the result of a bilateral or multilateral agreement concluded under the NPT’s authority. This proven ineffectiveness has discredited the NPT as the sole disarmament framework and fed the exasperation behind […]
Go to the articleTHE NORTH KOREAN NUCLEAR PROBLEM
KEVIN RUDD DECEMBER 21, 2017 I. INTRODUCTION In this essay, Kevin Rudd argues: “Diplomacy will be essential to avoid sleepwalking into war in Northeast Asia, and to achieve the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The key objective is to preserve peace and prosperity in the region. Armed conflict on the Korean Peninsula is an increasing possibility – […]
Go to the articleTHE DUTY TO DISOBEY ILLEGAL NUCLEAR STRIKE ORDERS
ANTHONY J. COLANGELO OCTOBER 9, 2017 I. INTRODUCTION In this essay, Anthony Colangelo argues that: “There is a legal duty to disobey illegal nuclear strike orders. Failure to carry out this duty may result in criminal and civil liability under national and international law… [T]hose ordered to plan or launch a nuclear strike are on […]
Go to the articleIMPACT OF UNSC RESOLUTION 2375 ON DPRK OIL IMPORTS
David von Hippel and Peter Hayes September 12, 2017 I. INTRODUCTION In this essay, David von Hippel and Peter Hayes review estimates of the fraction of North Korean refined product imports and total oil imports that will be affected by UNSC Resolution 2375. They find that (assuming the sanctions contained in the Resolution function as […]
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