The Economist – An awkward absence

America is missing out by being stand-offish towards the law of the sea. So is the sea.

Foreign Affairs – The Ways of Syria

As Washington considers a rapprochement with Bashar al-Assad’s Syria, Itamar Rabinovich’s commanding new book makes clear that change will not come quickly or easily — and, if the past is any indication, it may not come at all.

BBC – China asserts sea border claims

A UN commission hoping to agree new maritime boundaries looks set to pit China against some of its neighbours.

The Times – Russia warns of war within a decade over Arctic oil and gas riches

Russia raised the prospect of war in the Arctic yesterday as nations struggle for control of the world’s dwindling energy reserves.

Foreign Affairs – A Tale of Two Wars

Richard Haass’ perceptive insider’s account of the policymaking leading up to both Iraq wars — one a “war of choice,” the other a “war of necessity” — holds key lessons for future U.S. leadership in the Middle East and beyond.

Esquire – Why Iran Won’t Stop Loving the Bomb

Thomas P.M. Barnett writes that even if voters walk out on Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in June’s election like delegates did at yesterday’s U.N. conference on racism, don’t expect the new government to forgo nuclear pursuits — not at this crossroads. A preview of Tehran’s battle ahead.

Washington Post – Pakistan’s Critical Hour

Ahmed Rashid on the current state of affairs in Pakistan.

Foreign Affairs – The Great Game Moves North

As the Arctic melts, countries vie for control.

Armed Forces Journal – Missing the boat

Failure to join the Law of the Sea Convention harms U.S. interests.

Foreign Affairs – Center Stage for the Twenty-first Century: Power Plays in the Indian Ocean

Robert D. Kaplan writes that already the world’s preeminent energy and trade interstate seaway, the Indian Ocean will matter even more as India and China enter into a dynamic great-power rivalry in these waters.

The Atlantic – India’s New Face

Robert D. Kaplan introduces us to Narendra Modi, chief minister of Gujarat and the brightest star in the Hindu-chauvinist Bharatiya Janata Party. Under Modi, Gujarat has become an economic dynamo. But he also presided over India’s worst communal riots in decades, a 2002 slaughter that left almost 2,000 Muslims dead. Exploiting the insecurities and tensions stoked by India’s opening to the world, Modi has turned his state into a stronghold of Hindu extremism, shredding Gandhi’s vision of secular coexistence in the process. One day, he could be governing the world’s largest democracy.

Foreign Affairs – The Geoengineering Option: A Last Resort Against Global Warming?

As climate change accelerates, policymakers may have to consider “geoengineering” as an emergency strategy to cool the planet. Engineering the climate strikes most as a bad idea, but it is time to start taking it seriously.

New Yorker – Can Iran Change?

The high stakes in Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s reelection campaign.

New Yorker – Syria Calling

Is Syria the Obama Administration’s chance to engage in a Middle East peace.

Foreign Affairs – The Japan Fallacy: Today’s U.S. Financial Crisis Is Not Like Tokyo’s “Lost Decade”

The financial crisis of 2008 need not usher in a replay of Japan’s “lost decade” of the 1990s. The current crisis is the result of correctable policy mistakes rather than deep structural flaws in the economy.

Daily Telegraph – 60 years on, Nato has become the victim of its own success

John Keegan writes that NATO needs to adopt a wider peace-keeping mission under the UN.

The Times – Introducing the axis of upheaval

Niall Ferguson writes that the financial crisis is bad enough; but combined with empires in decline and ethnic disintegration, it is a recipe for disaster.

Esquire – Obama’s New Map of the World

Thomas P.M. Barnett writes that as he assumes leadership of this freaked-out world, the success of our new president’s foreign policy — and presidency — will depend on the thinking he does inside the box.

Foreign Affairs – America’s Edge: Power in the Networked Century

The United States’ unique ability to capitalize on connectivity will make the twenty-first century an American century.

Small Wars Journal – Ten Questions With Thomas P.M. Barnett

A question and answer session with Thomas P.M. Barnett, on the occasion of the publication of his new book entitled “Great Powers: America and the World after Bush.”

Foreign Affairs – The Myth of the Autocratic Revival: Why Liberal Democracy Will Prevail

Autocracies such as China and Russia do not represent a sustainable alternative to liberal democracy. In fact, the pull of liberal democracy is stronger than ever.

Globe and Mail – ‘There will be blood’

An interview with Harvard economic historian Niall Ferguson who predicts prolonged financial hardship, even civil war, before the ‘Great Recession’ ends.

Foreign Policy – The Axis of Upheaval

Niall Ferguson writes that we should forget Iran, Iraq, and North Korea—Bush’s “Axis of Evil.” As economic calamity meets political and social turmoil, the world’s worst problems may come from countries like Somalia, Russia, and Mexico. And they’re just the beginning.

Foreign Affairs – The Great Crash, 2008: A Geopolitical Setback for the West

The financial crisis has called into serious question the credibility of western governments and may precipitate an eastward shift of power.

Foreign Affairs – Where Are the Civilians? How to Rebuild the U.S. Foreign Service

If it hopes to achieve its foreign policy agenda, the Obama administration will need to undo the damage to the Foreign Service wrought by the Bush administration.