Geopolitics – When Is Coercion Successful? And Why Can't We Agree on It?

Naval War College Review – The scholarly controversy over coercion by states-military, diplomatic, and economic-does more than complicate academic arguments; it has consequences for policy. It might become a more effective instrument than it has so far proved if the theoretical community can reach consensus as to what it is, how it can be effectively applied, and what constitutes success.
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Chinese Navy – China Reportedly Refitting Soviet Aircraft Carrier

NPR – The Chinese Navy is repairing an ex-Soviet aircraft carrier, according to media reports. While it would require more work to make it functional, the vessel would be China’s first carrier. Michele Norris talks with Andrew Koch of Jane’s Defence Weekly.

Koch and his colleague Yihong Chang report this week on repairs that China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy is making to the carrier Varyag. In images obtained by Jane’s, workers at the Chinese Dalian Shipyard appear to have repainted the Varyag in the country’s military colors.

The ship, built in the 1980s, was auctioned by Ukraine after the fall of the Soviet Union. It was purchased by a Hong Kong company, with the stated purpose of creating a hotel and resort craft.
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