Category: Policy-Brief

Policy Brief: The “Clean Break” Strategy and Its Possible Connection to Syria

Version : 6 December 2024 Background The recent sudden collapse of the Assad regime in Syria has raised questions about its connection to long-term strategic plans for the Middle East. Three key elements warrant examination: The “Clean Break” Strategy In 1996, a group of neoconservative thinkers, led by Richard Perle, drafted a policy paper titled…
Policy Brief: Influence of Foreign Governments on U.S. Domestic Policies and Free Speech

Version : April 2024 This policy brief revisits the implications of foreign influence on U.S. domestic policies, with a renewed focus on the bipartisan nature of responses to foreign pressures and the constitutional challenges posed by state legislation. It examines the uniformity of responses across states with differing political leadership following foreign statements, and the…
The Singapore Budget 2024 for Businesses

Version : Feb 2024 Introduction: The Singapore Budget 2024 for Businesses introduces a comprehensive Enterprise Support Package, totaling $1.3 billion, designed to alleviate the impact of rising costs and bolster cash flows for local enterprises. This package encompasses a range of initiatives, including a 50% corporate income tax rebate for Year of Assessment 2024, enhancements…
Policy Brief: Understanding Anti-Semitism, Zionism, and the State of Democracy in Israel

Version : Jan 2024 This brief aims to clarify the concepts of anti-Semitism and Zionism, and assess the democratic status of Israel, particularly in light of recent criticisms and the geopolitical landscape. The information provided is intended to support informed policy-making and discourse. Anti-Semitism: Definition and Misuse Definition:Anti-Semitism traditionally refers to hostility towards or discrimination…
Prioritizing Climate Action: Addressing CO2 Emissions and Sustainable Solutions

Version : Jan 2024 Climate change is often given lower priority compared to other national and geopolitical issues, despite the urgent need for attention. The lack of significant reduction in CO2 emissions characterizes the current state of climate change, leading to observable effects such as the loss of sea ice, melting glaciers and ice sheets,…
Policy Brief: France’s Withdrawal from Niger

Version : Dec 2023 France has completed its military withdrawal from Niger, marking the end of a significant French presence in the country since 1897. This withdrawal comes after a coup in Niger and subsequent political developments, including the involvement of the African Union and Victoria Nuland, the acting U.S. Deputy Secretary of State. The…
Policy Briefs
Policy Brief : Global Climate Action, the 1.5°C Target, and the $100bn Fund

Version : Dec 2023 Introduction The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, aimed to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. During the 1850-1900 period, the average global temperature generally hovered around 13.5 degrees Celsius. However, as of…
Policy Brief : Ending Conflicts and Promoting Sustainable Development

Version : Nov 2023 This policy brief summarizes the key points from a speech by Jeffrey Sachs, President of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), on the ongoing conflicts in various regions, including Israel-Palestine, and the role of the UN Security Council in resolving these issues. Sachs proposes a comprehensive approach that combines political, economic,…
Policy Brief: Geopolitical Landscapes and Balance of Power

Version : Nov 2023 This brief examines three key geopolitical landscapes: Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Palestine, China-Russia-USA and China-Taiwan-USA. Russia and Ukraine The situation in Ukraine remains complex, with Russia seeking stability and security on its western borders. Russia does not want to see Ukraine in NATO. This stance is based on the understanding that Russia, like other…