Independent Strategic Analysis of Australia’s Global Interests

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Addressing Water Insecurity in Central Asia: A Steppe on the One Belt, One Road Initiative?

Mervyn Piesse, Research Manager Future Directions International 25 May 2017 In his paper titled “Addressing Water Insecurity in Central Asia: A Steppe on the One Belt, One Road Initiative?”Mervyn Piesse, Research Manager, the Global Food and Water Crises Programme, evaluates the likelihood of China becoming involved in efforts to resolve water disputes in Central Asia. He…

South African Drought: Cape Town Down to its Last Drops

Caleb Gorton, Research Assistant Future Directions International 24 May 2017 In his paper titled “South African Drought: Cape Town Down to its Last Drops” Caleb Gorton, Research Assistant, the Global Food and Water Crises Programme,  writes that Two years of drought and an overreliance on stored surface water has led to a severe water crisis in South…

Environmental Concerns Unlikely to Threaten Chinese Plans to Dredge Thai Mekong

Caleb Gorton, Research Assistant Future Directions International 10 May 2017 In his paper titled “Environmental Concerns Unlikely to Threaten Chinese Plans to Dredge Thai Mekong” Caleb Gorton, Research Assistant, the Global Food and Water Crises Programme, writes that China’s plan to dredge the Mekong River to improve access for larger cargo ships is another component of…

Addressing Water Insecurity in Central Asia: A Steppe on the One Belt, One Road Initiative?

Central Asia is an integral component of the Chinese “One Belt, One Road” initiative. It remains a volatile region, however, partly because of the unresolved water disputes that impede more amicable interstate relations. While these disputes could undermine the investment programme, it is unlikely that Beijing will get involved in reducing interstate water tensions.

South African Drought: Cape Town Down to its Last Drops

Two years of drought and an overreliance on stored surface water has led to a severe water crisis in South Africa’s Western Cape Province. The government has proposed a range of solutions, but each option poses challenges to the sustainable achievement of water security.

Trump’s Saudi Trip Could Strengthen Rouhani’s Situation

President Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia could well be the instrument that will enable Rouhani to advance his national agenda – even if only by a little bit.

Publication Guide

  • Associate papers are primary source assessments written by FDI associates. The assessment topics range from regional bilateral relationships and opportunities and challenges in our neighbouring countries.

  • Feature interviews are interviews conducted by an FDI Research Manager. Interview topics range from the sustainability of our planet to the improved provision of emergency food aid.

  • Normally issued in hardcopy, these represent a comprehensive study of one of FDI’s four research areas.

  • Strategic alerts are priority current intelligence items. We provide these alerts when events such as military deployments or foreign election results occur.

  • A 1500 to 3000 word, single topic assessment.

  • A number of short articles addressing current intelligence topics, issued each week.

  • A record of discussions resulting from a single, or series of, roundtable conferences.

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