Alex Petriashvili, "Challenges and Perspectives: Georgia after the Election in 2012" (IPRIS Occasional Paper, No. 7, May 2013).

Europe -- a Promethean partnership -- against the odds

Manuel Marcelo Curto

NOVEMBER 2012 -- The integrity of the institutions and the unity of the Union are essential, and such is the respect for the framework -- legal and institutional -- of the EU, the convergence of Euro area member states and non-Euro area member states. But we need swift decisions. Political credibility is cardinal.

The Rise of Nationalism in China: Is it a Threat for the CCP?

Gunjan Singh

MAY 2012 -- This article argues that 'nationalistic' feelings supported by the Chinese state are not always for the wrong-headed. The level of pride the Chinese people experienced during the Olympics and space achievements are genuine. However the basic problem the Chinese government faces today is the separation of 'bad nationalism' from 'good nationalism'. Scholars argue that nationalism is not constant but ever changing and dynamic. Thus the question arises: With an increase in events and incidents which witness nationalistic outbursts by the Chinese people, has there been a corresponding greater blurring of the line between bad and good nationalism in China? This article discusses both types of nationalism, with regards to a variety of cases.

The Republic of Dagestan: the epicenter of Islamist insurgency in Russia's North Caucasus

Emil Souleimanov

DECEMBER 2011 -- Recently, violence has increased significantly in Dagestan, which is also the most populous autonomous republic of the North Caucasus with its three million inhabitants. Indeed, since the end of the last decade, shootings, bombings and police raids against the strongholds of Islamist insurgents occur on a daily basis and have become an integral part of the Dagestani political landscape. This article explores the causes, evolution, current situation and prospects of the insurgency in Dagestan.

Intertwined Paths: Portugal and Rising Angola

Pedro Seabra and Paulo Gorjão

AUGUST 2011 -- Since independence, Portuguese-Angolan relations have been constrained by their historical past and by Angola's own internal vicissitudes. However, the end of Angola's civil war in 2002, and the stability and national reconciliation process that followed, marked the start of a visible mutual effort in advancing the bilateral relationship. Although some past issues have been left unresolved, regular political contact between both countries' authorities has supported an increased rapprochement and created new opportunities for bilateral engagement. Wide co-operation avenues, an overall co-ordination in terms of foreign policy and extensive economic and trade ties have embedded the present strategic partnership in both countries' foreign priorities. In turn, this has also strengthened Portugal's position in withstanding competition from other international suitors in Angola.

Trans-governmental networks: less than convincing vision of new world order

Mohamed Mansour Kadah

AUGUST 2011 -- Lack of adequate reform in the multilateral system has given rise to a plethora of theories suggesting new models of global governance. In particular, this article analyzes the advocated new world order based on trans-governmental networks. This vision of new world order has its pros and cons. However, it is argued that it does not present a convincing case for a new world order.

Pedro Seabra and Diogo Noivo

[Portuguese Readers Only.]

There are several reasons that justify Portugal?s lack of attention towards the Jihadist phenomenon. However, this is not to say that possible Jihadist activity is inexistent. In fact, apart from unclear situations that might conceal a Jihadist intent, there are a number of public cases where known Jihadists have arrived and spent time in Portugal. Still, no evidence of terrorist behaviour was ever discovered. Furthermore, it is not clear what the purpose of their permanence in the country was. Still, it is possible to detect in the few cases that occurred in Portugal some similarities with the Jihadist reality found in Europe.

SEPTEMBER 2009 -- "Peace, Economic Stability and NATO", by Miguel Morgado.

MAY 2009 -- "A Global Security Vision: The Portuguese Intelligence Perspective", by Jorge Silva Carvalho.