Survival April-May 2021: Facing Russia

Survival, the IISS's bimonthly journal, examines critical strategic issues and challenges conventional wisdom. In this issue, Marcus Willett explores Russia's SolarWinds hack, Peter Rudolf discusses the US perception of China as a strategic rival, Ray Takeyh examines the US intelligence community's assessments of Iran's political stability, and six more thought-provoking pieces are included.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 02 April 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Survival, the esteemed bimonthly journal of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), sets out to challenge conventional wisdom and present fresh, often controversial perspectives on the most pressing strategic issues of our time. In this edition, we delve into a range of thought-provoking topics that shed light on the complex dynamics shaping global affairs.

Marcus Willett, in his insightful analysis, examines the recent SolarWinds hack, shedding light on the devastating consequences it holds for the United States. Willett highlights the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and emphasizes the importance of proactive vulnerability management. This timely piece serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat posed by cyberattacks and the critical role of governments and organizations in protecting their digital assets.

In a special forum, seven esteemed experts come together to explore the purpose and effectiveness of the United Nations (UN). The panel discusses the complexities of Security Council reform, reflecting on the organization's past achievements and challenges. The experts offer valuable insights into the role of the UN in addressing global crises, promoting peace, and fostering international cooperation.

Peter Rudolf, in his thought-provoking essay, argues that the United States perception of China as a revisionist strategic rival will complicate transatlantic policy coordination. Rudolf explores the nuances of the Sino-American relationship, highlighting the potential risks and opportunities that arise from the evolving dynamics between the two powers. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining open channels of communication and finding common ground to address shared global challenges.

Ray Takeyh, in his insightful piece, examines whether the US intelligence community bungled assessments of Iran's political stability in the late 1970s. Takeyh delves into the historical context and the factors that influenced the intelligence community's understanding of Iran's political landscape. He raises important questions about the limitations of intelligence analysis and the need for a more nuanced approach to understanding complex geopolitical dynamics.

Furthermore, this edition includes six more thought-provoking articles, as well as our regular Book Reviews and Noteworthy column. The contributions of our esteemed authors and editors provide a comprehensive examination of the most pressing strategic issues facing the world today.

Survival, with its commitment to challenging norms and promoting intellectual discourse, remains a vital source of information and analysis for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of global affairs.

Editor: Dr. Dana Allin
Managing Editor: Jonathan Stevenson
Associate Editor: Carolyn West
Assistant Editor: Jessica Watson

Weight: 394g
Dimension: 174 x 248 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032018256