How do America's allies and partners in the Asia-Pacific region perceive Washington's latest efforts to implement and operationalize the rebalance policy? Is rebalancing destined to worsen the security dilemma with China? Dr. Bill Tow of Australian National University recently joined the SSI's Dr. John R. Deni to discuss Dr. Tow's chapter in Augmenting Our Influence: Alliance Revitalization and Partner Development, the latest edited volume from the USAWC Press. Released 21 May 2014.

How can the United States revitalize NATO to ensure it remains a capable partner, willing and able to respond appropriately to crises like that unfolding in Ukraine, well into the future? Dr. Sean Kay of Ohio Wesleyan University joined Dr. John R. Deni to discuss Dr. Kay's chapter in Augmenting Our Influence: Alliance Revitalization and Partner Development, the latest edited volume from the USAWC Press. Released 30 April 2014.

The Western

response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine has included military, diplomatic,

and economic instruments of power. But are there additional economic tools

the West might employ in compelling or deterring Russia? Professor Jef

Troxell joins Dr. John R. Deni in discussing the latest events in Ukraine

and how the West might strengthen its response. Released 17 April 2014.

Has Russia's President Putin caught the West on its heels? What are U.S. interests in the unfolding crisis in Ukraine? Dr. John R. Deni explores U.S. strategy toward Russia and potential policy options including using energy as a weapon and deploying U.S. ground forces in Eastern Europe. Released 26 March 2014.

Dr. John R. Deni discusses the latest chapter in Ukraine's ongoing

revolution, including the strategic implications for the United States, what

the events of recent weeks say about U.S.-Russian relations, and what may

be in store for the Ukrainian people in the coming months. Released 26 February 2014.

What progress has been made to date in the Syrian peace talks, and what are the prospects for success? SSI research faculty member Dr. Andy Terrill sits down to talk to Dr. John R. Deni on whether diplomacy holds any chance of ending the civil war in Syria. Released 10 February 2014.

SSI research faculty members Dr. John R. Deni and Prof. Nate Freier offer their take on former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates' new memoir, Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War. Released 17 January 2014.

In this inaugural episode of the SSI Live podcast series, host Dr. John R. Deni talks with Prof. Nate Freier about the upcoming 25th annual U.S. Army War College Strategy Conference and how it will inform the U.S. military's implementation of broad strategic guidance from the forthcoming 2014 QDR and the National Security Strategy. Released 15 January 2014.

Why has the Army launched the Regionally Aligned Forces (RAF) initiative? Can the Army achieve GEN Odierno's vision for the RAF given defense austerity and downsizing? Dr. John R. Deni discusses these and other issues surrounding the RAF with Colonel James Learmont, the Army's staff lead for RAF concept development. Released 15 January 2014.