Peter A. Wilson

Thomas S. Szayna

Scott Pace

Olga Oliker

In the region of Central Asia and South Caucasus, what is the potential for armed conflict, and how might such outbreaks escalate to a level that could involve U.S. forces? The authors evaluate the key political, economic, and societal faultlines underlying the likelihood of conflict in the region, assessing their implications for regional stability and for U.S. interests and potential involvement over the next 10 to 15 years.

Implications for the U.S. Army

Faultlines of Conflict in Central Asia and the South Caucasus

Keith Crane

Brian Nichiporuk

The authors assess how Russian military forces are postured and resourced and how they are likely to operate. They also discuss the goals and effects of Russian military reform efforts, including initiatives that span all of the Russian armed forces’ services and independent branches. Touching on most of Russia’s armed forces’ major capabilities, the authors conclude with a look at how those capabilities are being integrated in practice.

An Overview of Budgets and Capabilities

Trends in Russia's Armed Forces

Nora Bensahel

Heather S. Gregg

Richard R. Brennan, Jr.

This monograph examines prewar planning efforts for the reconstruction of postwar Iraq. It then examines the role of U.S. military forces after major combat officially ended on May 1, 2003, through June 2004. Finally, it examines civilian efforts at reconstruction, focusing on the activities of the Coalition Provisional Authority and its efforts to rebuild structures of governance, security forces, economic policy, and essential services.

Prewar Planning and the Occupation of Iraq

After Saddam

In Russia, religious teachings and philosophies are used both to justify and combat violence, and a better understanding of the dynamics at the heart of religious violence in Russia is critical to the country’s future development and security.

Context, Manifestations, and Policy

Religion and Violence in Russia

Seth G. Jones

Cheryl Benard

Cathryn Quantic Thurston

Brooke K. Stearns

Using a case study of Afghanistan, this study examines gender-specific impacts of conflict and post-conflict and the ways they may affect women differently than they affect men. It analyzes the role of women in the nation-building process and considers outcomes that might occur if current practices were modified. Recommendations are made for improving data collection in conflict zones and for enhancing the outcomes of nation-building programs.

Women and Nation Building

Lowell H. Schwartz

Catherine Yusupov

As Russia's economy has grown, so have the country's global involvement and influence, which often take forms that the United States neither expects nor likes. The authors assess Russia's strategic interests and goals, examining the country's domestic policies, economic development, security goals, and worldview. They assess implications for U.S. interests and present ways that Washington could work to improve its relations with Moscow.

Sources and Implications

Russian Foreign Policy

An examination of the difficulties faced by the Russian military in planningand carrying out urban operations in Chechnya.Russian and rebel military forces fought to control the Chechen city ofGrozny in the winters of 1994-1995 and 1999-2000, as well as clashing insmaller towns and villages. The author examines both Russian and rebeltactics and operations in those battles, focusing on how and why thecombatants' approaches changed over time. The study concludes that whilethe Russian military was able to significantly improve its ability to carryout a number of key tasks in the five-year interval between the wars, otherimportant missions--particularly in the urban realm--were ignored, largelyin the belief that the urban mission could be avoided. This consciousdecision not to prepare for a most stressful battlefield met withdevastating results, a lesson the United States would be well served tostudy.

Lessons from Urban Combat

Russia's Chechen Wars 1994-2000

Richard R. Jr. Brennan

James T. Quinlivan

Through a variety of policies and actions--and most recently in a new military doctrine adopted in February 2010--Russia has indicated the types of situations and threats that might cause it to resort to using nuclear weapons. This volume examines Russia's evolving framework for nuclear deterrence and its implications for U.S. military operations in Europe.

Russian Approaches to a New Environment and Implications for the United States

Nuclear Deterrence in Europe

Dalia Dassa Kaye

Audra K. Grant

As the United States continues to draw down its forces and prepares to end its military involvement in Iraq, the implications for Iraq's at-risk populations must be considered. Oliker, Grant, and Kaye assess the risks and implications of drawdown and withdrawal for some of the Iraqis in greatest danger, both within Iraq and in neighboring states. The authors conclude with recommendations on how the United States can mitigate identified problems.

Analysis and Recommendations

The Impact of U.S. Military Drawdown in Iraq on Displaced and Other Vulnerable Populations

Olga Oliker

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