USA

Abstract

This essay discusses the new US grand strategy towards the Asia Pacific, epitomized by the slogan "Asia pivot". It does so by describing the main drivers behind the renewed geopolitical centrality of Asia for the United States, the objectives of the Obama administration in the region and the tools deployed by Washington as a consequence of this new approach. The conclusions briefly examine the limits, dilemmas and contradictions of the "Asia pivot" and of the US attempt to re-balance towards the Far East.

Abstract
The existence of territorial and diplomatic disputes in East Asia raises serious concerns and, if escalated, could risk the region’s stability and prosperity. Focusing on three territorial and diplomatic disputes involving Japan, the Northern Territories, Takeshima, and the Senkaku Islands, this article explores ways to manage those disputes so as to maintain regional stability and prevent the situation from escalating in consistent with international law, practice and norms. The most basic principles to be adhered in this regard include, first, allowing the other party (or parties) to disagree, and second, maintaining the status quo not trying to change it by force. While these measures cannot by themselves solve the disputes, we at least need to prevent the current tensions from escalating into armed conflicts amongst the involved parties.

The predominantly military approach adopted by the U.S. and NATO in Afghanistan is showing its limits. An increase in attacks against on the Coalition forces, especially by personnel infiltrated in the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) cast serious doubts on their reliability and arise some questions about the future of Afghanistan. The transfer of power from NATO troops to the Afghan government, now in its fourth and final stage, seems to be in a very deep crisis. Moreover, the assessment of the situation on the ground leaves open many questions for what concerns security, governance and socio-economical situation. The Resolute Support Mission, which from 2015 will replace ISAF is therefore likely to be the same mission with a different name.
To overtake the uncertainties about the role of US and NATO in the future of Afghanistan and to involve the regional partners: that's the only way for achieving the right conditions for a successful transition in all the three fundamental aspects of security, governance and development.
Only a top level and shared agreement could permit to achieve the conditions necessary to bring in an effective and successful shift of power.

In Italia il dibattito sulla presenza delle forze armate italiane nelle missioni all’estero è polarizzato fra coloro che sostengono il ritiro da tutte o quasi le operazioni in corso e coloro che sostengono la necessità di adempiere agli impegni presi in sede internazionale.

C’è una battuta che circola in questi giorni nelle piazze ribelli d’Egitto. «Del primo presidente ci siamo liberati in diciassette giorni, del secondo in quattro, per il terzo basterà un tweet» scherzano i giovani protagonisti dello tzunami politico che loro chiamano rivoluzione contro i Fratelli Musulmani e molti, all’estero, colpo di stato militare.

The predominantly military approach adopted by the U.S. and NATO in Afghanistan is showing its limits. An increase in attacks against on the Coalition forces, especially by personnel infiltrated in the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) cast serious doubts on their reliability and arise some questions about the future of Afghanistan. The transfer of power from NATO troops to the Afghan government, now in its fourth and final stage, seems to be in a very deep crisis.

Edward Snowden ha lasciato Hong Kong a poche ore di distanza dalla formalizzazione delle accuse nei suoi confronti per spionaggio, ma la polemica attorno alle sue rivelazioni non si è placata.

La scelta dell’amministrazione Obama – che, secondo diverse fonti – avrebbe autorizzato la fornitura di armi alle forze della resistenza siriana rappresenta un potenziale punto di svolta nella crisi in atto da oltre due anni.

Alla vigilia delle elezioni presidenziali in Iran, sono in molti a interrogarsi circa l’impatto della tornata elettorale sulla questione che, più di ogni altra, incarna il rapporto conflittuale tra Teheran e la comunità internazionale: il dossier nucleare. Dopo i timidi passi in avanti compiuti la scorsa primavera negli incontri di Almaty e Istanbul, le trattative hanno imboccato negli ultimi mesi una fase di stallo che riflette la scarsa chiarezza sulle intenzioni politiche dalle parti coinvolte.