Winter 2005 Vol 29:1
Conversations with The Forum: Perspectives on Preemption and National Security
Interviews with Under Secretary of State John R. Bolton and Dr. Ashton Carter
The Fletcher Forum's Anthony Keats and Annelena Lobb talk with Under Secretary of State John R. Bolton and former Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy Dr. Ashton Carter about the role of preemption in U.S. national security strategy.
Averting Trouble in China and North Korea
China in the New Central Asia: The Fen (RMB) is Mightier Than the Sword
Lyle Goldstein Reviews the changes seen in Central Asia following the September 11 attacks and the various methods China has used to advance its two core interests in the region: sovereignty and accelerated economic development.
Banks, Distressed Loans, and the Development of Chinese Markets for Asset-Backed Securities
Patrick Schena describes the way in which the informational role of banks can be harnessed to better develop China's securities markets and help avert—or at least soften the landing of—any future financial crisis.
Richard Cronin evaluates North Korea's burgeoning nuclear defense program as a cause of increased diplomatic and military cooperation between Japan and the United States.
Politics and Prospects in Latin America
A Latin American Opportunity in World Energy Woes
The two authors argue that Latin American oil producers could play a key role in stabilizing world markets—and save ailing Latin American economies in the process.
(Mis)Understanding Chávez and Venezuela in Times of Revolution
The authors analyze the popularity of Venezuela's current president, and find that traditional Latin American political models are insufficient to explain his success.
Defending Civil Liberties in the War on Terror
The Role of the Courts in the War Against Terrorism
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) president Steven Shapiro discusses how U.S. high courts, in a break from tradition, recently have ruled against the executive branch to assert their powers during wartime.
Bolstering Democracy in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kyrgyzstan
Post-Conflict Intervention Revisited: Relief, Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Reform
William Wood questions the assumptions that have traditionally underpinned reconstruction missions in post-conflict areas. In light of the global war on terror, will security concerns force the United States to change its approach?
Aiding the Rule of Law Abroad: The Kyrgyz Republic as a Case Study
Brian Gill examines the possibilities for Kyrgyzstan to promote democracy in Central Asia by enhancing its rule of law.
Rites and Rights in Afghanistan: The Hazara and the 2004 Constitution
Justin Desautels-Stein asks whether Afghanistan's new constitution is strong enough to bind together a nation rife with long-standing ethnic and religious antagonisms.
Issues and Policy
Defending Microcredit
Despite growing criticism, Isobel Coleman stands by microcredit programs. She argues that microcredit is still one of the best methods of alleviating global poverty, and that it brings important collateral benefits such as women's empowerment.
Ambassador Thomas R. Pickering addressed The Fletcher School in September 2004 on the challenges diplomats face in today's complex and multilateral world. He suggests changes to the UN, the Department of State, and an enhanced role for public diplomacy.