Articles from The Diplomat (364)
India’s Ruling Alliance Sweeps Major State Election Amidst Vote Fraud Allegations
The BJP-led NDA secured 202 of the 243 seats in the Bihar assembly. Opposition parties have pointed to collusion between the BJP and the national election panel.
Nuclear Subs and Bounded Autonomy: The Evolving Logic of the South Korea-US Alliance
Washington’s approval for Seoul’s SSNs was more signal than substance – but it reveals the shifting balance of trust and dependence shaping the alliance.
Renewables, Sustainable Growth and Competition in the East Asian Market
The proliferation of battery and other renewables technology firms is no guarantee of sustainability, just as profitability today does not promise innovation tomorrow.
The Evolution of ‘Made in China 2025’
Since the policy’s launch a decade ago, China’s industrial upgrade has widened to boost economic security and self-reliance.
The Messy Reality of Philippine Democracy
The Philippines may be a democratic inspiration, but it is also a warning.
Why Did the Mayor of Dushanbe Meet With Russian President Putin?
Rustam Emomali is also the chair of Tajikistan’s National Assembly and the son of the country’s president. His recent trip to Moscow is stirring talk, once again, of dynastic transition.
Reframing the French Indo-Pacific: La Réunion, France’s Strategic Outpost
La Réunion embodies France’s enduring presence in the Indian Ocean and its ambition to project influence across the wider Indo-Pacific region.
Hundreds of Thousands Rally Against Corruption in the Philippines
The simmering public anger over corruption linked to flood control projects threatens to engulf the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Thailand Says US Trade Talks Still on Track, Despite Suspension of Cambodia Peace Deal
The outcome exposes the limits of using economic pressure to bring about a resolution of the border dispute between the two nations.
Ishiba’s Swan Song at the UN
Japan’s outgoing prime minister shares the foreign policy agenda he would have pursued during his farewell tour.
Trump Touches a Raw Nerve in Delhi
The U.S. president has not only disregarded Indian sensitivities with his recent comments on mediation but is also cozying up to Pakistan.
India’s China Embrace and US Decoupling
Over the past few months a process of normalization in the China-India bilateral has taken off.
Cambodia’s Decline Under 2 Years of Hun Manet
Hun Manet’s two years in power have witnessed a decline in any semblance of a government functioning in the interests of its people.
Japan’s Defense Ministry Requests Largest Ever Budget for Fiscal Year 2026
The defense budget request for next fiscal year places a strong emphasis on strengthening unmanned asset defense capabilities.
What the China Coast Guard-PLAN Ship Collision Reveals About China’s Military Capabilities
This incident not only illustrates the continued tensions in the South China Sea but also provides an opportunity to evaluate China’s maritime capabilities.
Japan’s Democratic Party for the People Mixes Momentum and Backlash
The party’s first-ever seats in the Tokyo legislature come amid scrutiny over its leader’s remarks on gender and overall communication strategy.
Will India-Indonesia Ties Take a Leap Forward in 2025?
Indonesian President Prabowo will be the chief guest at India’s Republic Day parade, a sign of the importance New Delhi accords its relations with Jakarta.
Listening to the Geography of the Moon
An interview with musicians Andrea Rubbio and Virginia Bones.
Taliban Foreign Minister’s Anticipated Visit to India: A Strategic Realignment in New Delhi’s Taliban Policy?
Since the beginning of 2025, New Delhi’s outreach to the Taliban has increased tremendously.
Indian Australians, Cricket, and Urban Planning
What do a Boxing Day cricket test match, Melbourne’s booming western suburbs, and the U.S. HB-1 visa battle have to do with Australia’s relationship with India and Indian migrants?
The Rise of Digital Authoritarianism in Pakistan
Pakistan has spied on its citizens for decades. Technology is making that even easier.
Forward Kairat: The Champions League Returns to Kazakhstan
With Almaty qualifying for the first time in its history, both the team’s strengths and weaknesses are on display.
Listening to China’s Economic Whisperers
The voices shaping economic strategy extend beyond the Communist Party’s inner circle to include a select “brain trust” of prominent economists.
Ethnic Rebel Group Announces Seizure of Key Town in Western Myanmar
The Arakan Army says that it is ready to engage in “political dialogue” and vowed to safeguard foreign investments in Rakhine State.
No Evidence Thai Banks Facilitated Myanmar Arms Purchases, Government Says
The U.N. human rights office claims that the country has become a leading source of banking services to Myanmar’s military junta.
A Ceremonial Start to Construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway
A Chinese statement noted that construction of the Kyrgyz section of the CKU Railway is scheduled to begin in July 2025 and last for six years.
Pakistan’s Flooding Underscores Misplaced Priorities
For the second time in three years, vast swathes of the country drowned, yet there’s little government action.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Forge Strategic Defense Pact Amid Shifting West Asian Dynamics
This is Pakistan’s most significant formal defense pact in decades, and the first such agreement that an Arab Gulf state has inked with a nuclear-armed partner.
Michael Kugelman Revisits the India-Pakistan Crisis
“This is the first time since each country went nuclear that we’ve seen so much force used in so many places.”
Anatomy of an Insurgency: Balochistan’s Crisis and Pakistan’s Failures
Recent escalations demonstrate both the insurgents’ growing operational capabilities and the Pakistani state’s persistent reliance on heavy-handed military responses that continue to alienate...
China’s Victory Day Message Points to Struggle Ahead
A decade of tensions has reshaped China’s war memory toward caution, loyalty and sacrifice.
Why Economic Nationalism Was the Biggest Story of 2024 in Southeast Asia
The steps taken by the region’s governments over the last year should be seen as a response to a wider trend toward protectionism.
Russian Without Russians: The Politics of Language in Uzbekistan
A new generation is questioning the privileged place of the Russian language in public education and everyday life – while still grappling with its utility, legacy, and political weight.
Changing Cadre Incentives: The Untold Story of China’s Economic Challenge
Changes in the local cadre incentive structure are a crucial yet often overlooked factor in the performance of the Chinese economy.
Denuclearization of North Korea: No ‘END’ in Sight
Based on recent speeches by top leaders, a profound and unbridgeable gulf between the two Koreas continues to define the peninsula.
Myanmar’s Election Gamble
Many in the international community have convinced themselves there is little downside to the regime’s fraudulent election, but perverse incentives risk encouraging violence.
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Can China Ever Weed out Corruption in Its Military?
Another spate of Chinese military corruption cases serves as a reminder that a decades-long practice and culture of corruption continues to flourish within the PLA.
Interview: Bushra Zulfiqar on Child Trafficking in Asia
The regional director of Terre des Hommes Netherlands speaks with The Diplomat.
Why Kazakhstan’s Energy Transition Is Stalling Despite Bold Pledges
An ambitious policy framework has translated into limited change in Kazakhstan. Why?
The Challenge to China’s ‘Unified Big Market’ Drive
The country’s vast consumer base is the key to riding out Trump’s tariffs. But China’s internal market is riven by its own trade barriers.
Reaching for the Stars: China’s Growing Space Diplomacy
China is not only pursuing space exploration on its own, but also assessing a key role for itself in space diplomacy and coordination.
World’s Coldest Capital Endures Electricity Interruptions as Mongolia Tackles Energy Insecurity
Power disruptions in Ulaanbaatar add more urgency to the government’s existing focus on energy reforms.
Massive Protests Condemn Corruption in the Philippines
The anti-corruption protests, which took place across Manila and other cities, are the largest to take place since the “Million People March” in 2013.
Russia’s Expanding Relations with Taliban-Ruled Afghanistan
Russia is increasingly approaching Afghanistan as yet another Central Asian state – including gradually opening access to its labor migration system.
Why Do University Students and Locals Keep Clashing in Bangladesh?
While campuses have long been notorious for political violence, violent clashes between students and local residents are increasing.
The RSS at 100: The Pan-Hindutva Force Behind Modi’s BJP
In its centenary year, the Hindu supremacist organization stands stronger than ever, not only in India but overseas.
China’s Political System Makes Consumption-led Growth Impossible
Beijing’s prioritization of political security necessitates a reliance on investment and exports – not consumption – to power the economy.
Kim Jong Un Says Denuclearization Is off the Table for North Korea
During a speech at the Supreme People’s Assembly, the North Korean leader again ruled out the possibility of using his nuclear weapons as bargaining chips.
South Korean President Nominates Prime Minister and Ministers
Lee Jae-myung has nominated 17 out of 19 ministers – and one of them was part of the Cabinet of his impeached predecessor.
‘Zombie Vapes’ Are Sweeping Across Southeast Asia, Sparking a New Public Health Crisis
They’re flavored like candy but packed with drugs – leaving teenagers in convulsions and authorities scrambling to keep up.
After No-Confidence Vote, Tasmania Headed to the Polls July 19
The roots of the latest round of turbulence in Tasmania’s politics lie in mismanagement: of a critical infrastructure project and a cultural point of pride with significant financial implications.
The IRA Has Changed. Now the US Needs a New Nickel Strategy.
Weak EV demand in the United States – exacerbated by the loss of the 30D tax credit and broader economic uncertainty – is likely to depress prices further, reinforcing Indonesia’s dominance.
The Transnational Origins of Taiwan’s Semiconductor Industry
Donald Trump’s self-proclaimed “victory” in his chip war against Taipei is premised on a fundamental misunderstanding of how we got to where we are.
Mongolia’s Strategic Turn Toward Central Asia
Since 2023, Mongolia has been actively deepening its political relations with Central Asian countries – not just as a strategic pivot, but also as a form of cultural and historical reconnection.
No Safe Return: The Case Against Deporting Afghan Refugees
Beneath the official narratives of “stability” and “return,” lies a brutal truth: Afghanistan remains a deeply unsafe country and any forced return of refugees constitutes a clear violation of...
What the Go-Bag Craze Reveals About Taiwan’s War Readiness
As government gridlock drags on, Taiwan’s civil society is reinventing national defense.
Why Women in Nepal Can’t Afford to Stay in Politics
Elections in Nepal are becoming increasingly expensive, thereby threatening inclusive democracy and raising concerns about the future of political participation.
The World Cannot Afford to Forget the Human Cost of Nuclear Weapons
Each August 29, we should not only mark the International Day against Nuclear Tests but also commit to education and remembrance.
Rethinking Great Power Competition: The Rise of Central Asia as Middle Powers
For decades, multivectorism was less a genuine strategy than a polite fiction. No longer.
Arrest of Noted Environmental Activist Fuels Unrest in Ladakh
This is a sensitive border region, and Buddhists and Muslims are fighting for a greater say in administration and protection from corporate interests.
An Anti-immigration Push Won’t Solve Japan’s Cost of Living Woes
Blaming foreigners may be politically convenient, but it distracts from one of the true culprits behind inflation: climate change.
Why Viral Western Takes Still Misunderstand China’s Political Economy
Both the “engineering state” and the “mayor economy” framings obscure the critical mechanics of China’s growth machine.
Arrest Warrant Issued Against South Korean President Yoon
For the first time in South Korea’s history, an arrest warrant requested by the investigation agency against the president has been issued.
South Korean Women’s Resistance at the Heart of Yoon Suk-yeol’s Impeachment
More than a reaction to Yoon’s autocratic and anti-feminist tendencies, the massive participation of women is the culmination of long-standing struggles for gender equality, and unmet demands for justice.
The Significance of China in India’s Foreign Policy
New Delhi’s efforts to re-engage and rebuild ties with China reflect a refusal to be co-opted by any singular geopolitical axis, even under intense economic pressure.
North Korea’s Processed Goods Push Meets China’s Cold Market Reality
Chinese traders want North Korean companies to continue to export raw materials, which conflicts with the North Korean regime’s policy of exporting processed goods.
CPEC: Debt Trap Diplomacy or a Mismanaged Opportunity?
It is no secret that CPEC has failed to achieve its set goals on time. But is China to blame – or Pakistan itself?
Mongolia Expands Third Neighbor Links to Southeast Asia
Mongolia is renewing its focus on ASEAN and its member countries, with an aim to diversify trade.
The Evolving Strategic Partnership Between India and Kuwait
Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit was the culmination of long-term trends in India-Kuwait relations, and India-Gulf ties more broadly.
In an ‘America First’ Era, Taiwan Gains Ground in Congress
An analysis of 20 years of congressional speeches shows that support for Taiwan is increasingly a central pillar in the U.S. competition with China.
Thailand’s 2026 Budget, Explained
Deficits seem set to remain a key feature of Thailand’s fiscal reality for a significant time to come.
Is North Korea a Strategic Cyber Threat to Europe?
Pyongyang’s cyber activities are no longer a peripheral concern but a central component of its broader geopolitical strategy.
The Rise and Fall of China-Czechia Relations
Once Beijing’s closest partner in Central Europe, Czechia has turned into a skeptic – but the latest elections could put China back on the agenda.
Can Takaichi Find a Pragmatist Streak as Prime Minister?
Having ascended to the top tier of Japanese politics, can Takaichi fight the reflex of having to prove her conservative reputation?
Australia’s Shock Defense Wake-up Call
‘Down under’ isn’t that far away from trouble.
China’s Upgraded Lawfare in the South China Sea
China is stepping up its legal narratives targeting the Philippines.
Kazakhstan’s ‘Eternal’ and Pragmatic Relations on Display in Russia Visit
Less than a week after visiting Donald Trump in the White House, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev traveled to Russia to further the countries’ proclaimed “eternal alliance.”
As COP30 Discusses Climate Action, Indian Capital Sees Pollution Protests
Following protests against severe pollution, India’s main opposition leader upheld “the right to clean air” as “a basic human right.” Will pollution finally become a political issue in India?
A C5+1 or 5 C1+1s: The New Math of US Central Asia Policy
The focus of the C5+1 has narrowed to the economic realm, yielding big deals and sidelining big challenges.
Time to Get Ready for the Era of ‘Selective Protectionism’
What Mexico’s tariff hike for non-FTA countries means for ASEAN and beyond.
Tajikistan’s Glaciers Are Collapsing While the Government Talks Green
A mismatch between eco-friendly government rhetoric and polluting actions on the ground is exacerbating Tajikistan’s climate change vulnerability.
As Asia Advances LGBTQ+ Rights, Japan’s Parliament Stalls
The political space for action exists. What’s missing is leadership willing to act on what courts have already decided.
Does Malaysia Really Need Two Teachers Per Classroom?
Increase the number of teachers, by all means, but don’t predetermine what they’re going to do.
China’s Nature Reserve at Scarborough Shoal Isn’t Just About Conservation
Beijing appears to be lowering the threshold for direct military confrontation while reinforcing its claims through civilian institutions.
How India’s Himalayan Frontier Lost Faith in Modi’s Rule
An inside look at Ladakh’s unrest – and the mood in the region today.
Afghanistan’s Media Under the Taliban: From Free Press to Propaganda Control
As journalists face threats and censorship, the Taliban have learned to use social media to shape stories, attract supporters, and appear legitimate to the world.
Why China Is (Still) Not Interested in the Offer of a ‘G2’
History, ideology, and realism all contribute to the perception that Trump’s recent mention of the G-2 is just a U.S. “trap.”
Australia, Philippines Prep New Defense Agreement Amid Growing China Concerns
Despite being oceans apart, the Philippines and Australia are becoming closer than ever thanks to their shared maritime concerns.
Eve Warburton on Indonesian President Prabowo’s First Year in Office
The former general is building on what his predecessor Joko Widodo left behind, furthering the country’s “gradual illiberal slide.”
When It Comes to Oil and Gas, Japan Can Still Say ‘No’
Japan is most likely to diverge from U.S. foreign policy positions when its energy security is at stake.
President Lee Jae-myung’s Latest Headache
Prosecutors and the opposition party are elevating their attacks on Lee over a recent court ruling.
Mongolia Badly Needs Education Reform
A recent teachers’ strike put wages and education inequality at the forefront of public debate.
After the Gen Z Quake, Nepali Congress Fights for its Future
Even though Nepal’s Grand Old Party has strong second-generation leaders ready to take leadership and most of the party wants the same, the old guard is able to cling on.
Destruction in the Heart of Old Samarkand
Forced evictions began in the spring in the neighborhood adjacent to the modest al-Maturidi mausoleum. Then the demolition began.
What to Make of the Recent Trump-Xi Summit?
Have the two powers found a new framework for relations?
Solomon Islands Doesn’t Want to Depend on China. Will the West Give It a Choice?
In the Pacific, infrastructure is influence – but China appears to be alone in recognizing that.
A Murder in Yunnan: Revisiting the Margary Affair
A trade war, an unsolved murder, and the founding of the Chinese Embassy in London.
Legal Pathways Will Save Rohingya Lives
Creating a pathway toward third-country resettlement is the only practical way to stop refugees from dying at sea.
Twin Blasts in South Asia and the Region’s Dangerous Dilemmas
The region increasingly resembles a powder keg — one spark away from catastrophe.
The State of US Asia Policy in the Trump Era, With Special Guest Jim Sciutto
Reflecting on the U.S. president’s recent Asia trip, how American partners view Trump’s nontraditional diplomatic style, and what (in Asia) keeps Jim up at night.
Amid Taiwan’s Diplomatic Blitz in Europe, China Threatens to Weaponize Interpol
Three prominent DPP politicians were in Europe this month.
The Supreme Court’s Tariff Test: What Is at Stake for the Rule of Law and Global Trade
Beneath the technical arguments lies the question of whether the U.S. will reaffirm its commitment to the rule of law in trade – or abandon it.
Malaysian PM Anwar Attempts to Get Thailand-Cambodia Border Deal Back on Track
The ASEAN chair says that the two nations’ prime ministers “reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing a peaceful resolution.”
How Asia Is Navigating America’s Fading Financial Control
Across Asia, governments are learning to live with U.S. financial dominance – without depending on it.
South Korea’s Semiconductor Dependence Is Becoming a Structural Economic Risk
Persistent export concentration around memory chips leaves the Korean economy acutely vulnerable to global tech cycles.
The Passing of Queen Sirikit Is a Turning Point for the Thai Monarchy
The death of Queen Sirikit has removed the final protective layer from the current monarch, King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Does Jakarta School Bombing Herald a New Wave of Terror in Indonesia?
Despite the nation’s history of attacks by hardline Islamist outfits, acts of violence by those espousing far-right ideological views are rare.
Thailand’s King Vajiralongkorn Arrives in Beijing For Historic Visit
The five-day visit is the first by a sitting Thai monarch since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangkok and Beijing in 1975.
A Glimpse of the Future of China-US Relations
If the current trajectory holds, the rivalry will harden into a permanent conflict in the next few years. But it’s not too late to change course.
Breaking Down the Philippines’ 2026 Budget
Economic growth in the Philippines remains on a solid trajectory, but the government has struggled in recent years to reduce its budget deficit.
Modi and the Mullahs: India’s Embrace of the Taliban
Why is New Delhi’s approach to the Islamist fundamentalist group is so different this time around?
Malabar Exercises Underway, Despite Turbulence in the Quad
While the Quad leaders are unlikely to meet this year, Malabar 2025 is going ahead.
Can the NBA Help Heal China-US Relations?
As China-U.S. tensions rise, sports diplomacy offers a path back to healthy competition.
Japan’s Takaichi Pushes Stricter Rules on Foreign Nationals
Regulations for foreign nationals in Japan became a major topic of debate in this year’s election. The new government is acting accordingly.
Will China Fill the Gap in Iran’s Defense Sector?
Insights from Can Kasapoğlu.
Landmines and Civilian Shootings Leave Thai-Cambodian Peace Deal in Tatters
Cambodia’s Prince Group denies claims of involvement in online scamming operations, alleges U.S. conspiracy.
Cracking Southeast Asia’s Scam Economy
Washington and London’s recent unprecedented actions showed what global coordination can achieve – and what remains to be done.
Rare Earths Roil China-EU Relations
Despite a recent de-escalation, China-EU relations are far from normal.
Purges and Power: Is China Quietly Rebalancing Its Command Structure?
Is collective decision making slowly re-emerging in the CCP?
Australia and Indonesia to Sign ‘Watershed’ Defense Treaty in January
The agreement marks a high-point in the bilateral relationship, but stops short of marking a significant strategic reorientation on the part of Jakarta.
Are Indian Classrooms Ready for the AI Leap?
The country’s policymakers must cultivate a middle path that enables technological upliftment while acknowledging structural inequalities.
Revisiting Pakistan’s Climate Journey: From Global Spotlight to Ground Realities
The absence of the prime minister and other senior federal figures at COP30 suggests evolving priorities and moderated expectations.
Uzbekistan: A Silk Mirage
An interview with Joanna Lillis on the contrasts between “new” and “old” Uzbekistan.
Japan Launches First 2 New Offshore Patrol Vessels for JMSDF
Tokyo is betting on compact, highly maneuverable vessels capable of carrying out missions efficiently with fewer crew members.
South Korea Wakes up to Southeast Asia’s Ballooning Scam Industry
But Seoul is finding out what other governments has discovered: getting concrete results is nearly impossible.
Vietnam’s Trade Boom Shouldn’t Excuse Its Human Rights Crackdown
There are real opportunities for Vietnam’s trading partners to insist that it honor its obligations under international human rights law.
Japan’s Taiwan Policy Is Evolving – But Not Yet Transforming
Takaichi’s remarks stirred a firestorm, but her later clarifications highlight the limits on Japan’s involvement in a Taiwan crisis.
Thailand, US Trade Talks Set For Completion By Year’s End, Commerce Minister Says
In a speech to an economic conference in Bangkok, Suphajee Suthumpun also warned about the accumulation of challenges facing the country’s economy.
Logistics for Success: How Jana Post is Developing E-Commerce in Central Asia
An IT initiative in Kazakhstan is helping drive the rapid rise in e-commerce in Central Asia.
Today Trump Is Talking to a Different North Korea
The DPRK of 2025 is fundamentally different – and far more dangerous – than when Trump last met Kim Jong Un.
COP30 and China’s Tibetan Plateau Paradox
China’s stewardship of the Third Pole will shape not only Asia’s water security but the credibility of global climate cooperation.
As Saudi Crown Prince Visits Washington, What’s New Zealand’s Strategy for the Gulf?
For New Zealand, the six Gulf countries have also become increasingly essential – especially in trade, but also in wider strategic terms.
Try, Try Again: New Bills Submitted to Address the Jackson-Vanik Problem
Two new bills have been submitted to the U.S. Congress to deal the Cold War-era Jackson-Vanik amendment.
The 27th Amendment and Pakistan’s Emerging Military Posture
Don’t sleep on the 27th Amendment’s strategic reorientation of Pakistan’s defense architecture.
Bangladesh’s Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death
Hasina and her home minister have been found guilty of crimes against humanity during the mass uprising last year, resulting in the death of 1,400 people.
What Pakistan’s 2025 Army Reforms Really Mean for the Country
While army influence was previously exercised informally over its sister institutions, it has now been enshrined in law.
Can the US Help Prevent an Escalation in India-Pakistan Tensions?
If Washington can leverage the newfound momentum in its ties with Islamabad to prevent destabilizing behavior, it can play a productive role.
In Central Asia, Calls to Bring Back the Death Penalty Are Growing Louder
With violence against women and girls escalating to its most brutal expression – sexual assaults and murders of minors – people in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are reconsidering the abolition of the...
Mongolia’s MPP Taps Uchral Nyam-Osor as Chair
Will the change mark a new chapter for the ruling party, or is the promise of reform a facade?
China’s Naval Strategy With 3 Aircraft Carriers
The Fujian marks a new phase for China’s naval aviation capability.
Vietnamese Navy Vessel Pays Visit to Cambodian Naval Base
Vietnam People’s Navy is the second foreign navy that has been invited to the China-funded facilities at Ream Naval Base since their inauguration.
India’s Rare Earth Opportunity After the Trump-Xi Summit
The summit bought a year of time to combat China’s rare earth dominance. India is best positioned to take advantage.
How North Korea Uses Vietnam to Avoid UN Sanctions
Beyond China and Russia, Pyongyang relies on its lower-profile “small-node strategy” to diversify revenues. Vietnam is a case in point.
Bougainville Continues Its Struggle For Independence
The region voted overwhelmingly for independence from Papua New Guinea in 2019, but realizing this in practice has been far from straightforward.
Beyond Fiber-Optic Cables: Securing Seabed Before the Next Crisis
Communications cables are only part of the story. A far broader array of systems now covers the ocean floor – and must be protected.
The Quad Under Trump 2.0: Early Signs of Shift Amid Continuity
The first Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting under the new U.S. administration suggested changes on at least three counts.
Salt Typhoon: China’s Attack on US Telecommunications Networks
It’s been called the “worst telecom hack” in U.S. history – and the United States wasn’t Salt Typhoon’s only target.
Wargaming China’s Dominance in Rare Earths and Critical Minerals
Insights from Finley Grimble.
A Mini-Detente Between Trump and Xi: What It Means for Central Asia
A brief pause in great-power rivalry opens a window for Central Asia.
Japan-South Korea Relations Under a Takaichi Sanae Government
How will Prime Minister Takaichi get along with the Lee Jae-myung administration?
Takaichi Government Moves to Expand Japan’s Defense Exports After Komeito’s Exit
With a willing partner in Nippon Ishin, the ruling LDP is advancing its defense export ambitions.
Kazakh Betting Law Saga Continues
Once signed into law, the Kazakh government will essentially discharge the most significant regulatory responsibilities in the betting industry to an unknown entity.
Mongolia’s Defector Dilemma: Navigating the Korea Divide
Mongolia’s bid to remain a neutral bridge between North and South Korea must find a way to balance idealism and pragmatism.
Bangladesh Tilts Toward China as Its Lead Economic Partner
While Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’ visit to China was significant, there were no major breakthroughs.
France’s Political Dramas Threaten More Instability in Violence-Wracked New Caledonia
Political turmoil in Paris has hindered implementation of the Bougival Accord. In New Caledonia, the accord is also looking shaky.
Leading Vietnamese Scholar and Journalist Imprisoned for Critical Facebook Posts
Truong Huy San, who is better known by the pen name Huy Duc, was convicted of “abusing democratic freedoms.”
Growing Trust – and Trade – Between the US and Uzbekistan
An interview with Uzbek Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov on U.S.-Uzbekistan economic relations.
Analyzing the State of Afghan Journalism
The Federation of Afghan Journalists in Exile reports that the return of the Taliban has led to a substantial reduction in activity among Afghanistan’s once-vibrant media.
India-Bangladesh-Pakistan: South Asia’s Fateful Triangle
Bangladesh’s interim government’s outreach to Pakistan is of concern to India. But Dhaka’s ties with the two countries are not a zero-sum game.
Taliban Minister Muttaqi’s Visit to Deoband Seminary in India
He was mobbed at the seminary. The rockstar welcome he received should worry Delhi.
Could US Defense Cuts Affect Timor-Leste?
Trump’s policies may create uncertainties in Timor-Leste-U.S. relations, particularly in the defense realm.
Larry Diamond on the Importance of US Foreign Aid
“Ending aid is not a strategy to make America great again. It’s a strategy to make America resented and isolated in the world.”
Unlike Japan’s ‘Lost Decade,’ China’s Deflation Risk Is Going Global
China’s outward industrial surge will squeeze Indo-Pacific industries unless governments meet prices with policy.
Japan Is Sending Soldiers to Lithuania to Train Ukrainian Troops
The deployment, small as it is, marks a first for Japan in several ways.
It’s Time To Liven Up Compulsory Voting
Australia and Singapore, two of the 20-odd nations with compulsory voting, are set to go to the polls this weekend.
Pakistan’s Government Backs Down After Sindh Province Wracked by Anti-Canal Protests
Sindhis are taking to the streets to oppose controversial canals on the Indus River and government support for corporate farming.
China’s Property Market: Explaining the Boom and Bust
Before the real estate sector bottomed out, it catapulted hundreds of millions of Chinese into the middle class.
Chinese Citizen Journalist Who Reported on COVID-19 to Be Released After 3 Years
Fang Bin posted details about the pandemic situation in Wuhan in early 2020. He spent three years in jail for his efforts.
Mongolia’s 2025 Political Earthquake
Opposition revival and ruling party infighting reshaped Mongolia’s political landscape
The Chaos of Wage Theft in Bangladesh’s Garment Sector Requires Global Accountability
If wage theft and worker exploitation remains unresolved, Bangladesh’s development triumph will prove to be an empty miracle.
The DeepSeek Doctrine: How Chinese AI Could Shape Taiwan’s Future
Taiwan’s security in part rests on perceptions, particularly in the U.S., of its status. Should a generation of Americans emerge that is schooled and socialized by DeepSeek, the future for Taiwan...
Biden, Xi, and ‘Responsible Management’ of Atrocity Crimes
The U.S. should not give up on holding China to account for its human rights violations in the name of diplomatic progress.
New Littoral Combat Ship Completes Acceptance Trials
The future USS Indianapolis completed acceptance trials in Lake Michigan last month.
C5+1 Summit: What’s at Stake for the US and Central Asia
Kazakhstan and its neighbors continue to balance their ties with Washington alongside their deep economic and security links with Russia and China.
The New Red Scare: When Fear Becomes a Political Weapon
More than seven decades later, the legacies of the Red Scare have resurfaced in the United States – this time targeting China.
Where Afghanistan Fits in Iran’s Changing Regional Playbook
Afghanistan occupies a central position in Tehran’s changing playbook, as the country is both a risk and a buffer for Iran.
US Navy Littoral Combat Ship Fires Missiles
A littoral combat ship conducted a live-fire exercise off the coast of Virginia on May 11.
Boat Carrying More Than 70 Rohingya Lands in Indonesia’s Aceh Region
Last year saw a record number of Rohingya refugees set off by sea from the camps in southeastern Bangladesh.
Nepal Counts the Economic Cost of the Gen Z Uprising
The new government has tried to woo businesses, but it will take more than tax cuts and easy loans to convince them to make long-term bets.
Trump and Xi Revive the Ghost of the G2
A seemingly offhand remark from Trump signals the return – at least rhetorically – of an idea once proposed and dismissed by both Washington and Beijing.
What the LDP-Komeito Defeat Means for Japanese Foreign Policy
Increasing political instability will pose challenges to decisive leadership and give opposition parties more sway in specific situations.
Santorum and Foreign Policy
Rick Santorum shook the Republican primary race with three wins Tuesday. What would his foreign policy look like?
How the Chinese State Mobilized Civil Society to Fight COVID-19
The COVID-19 crisis pushed to the frontlines a civil society that is mobilized and led by the Chinese Communist Party, whether directly or indirectly.
Myanmar’s Minerals Deal
In the scramble for access to the nation’s rare earth deposits, a non-state armed group holds the cards.
Japanese Markets Look Poised to Prosper With New Government, China-US Trade Truce
With Takaichi’s government investing more in emerging tech, private equity markets could see further increases.
Cheng Li-wun’s Election Raises Questions for the KMT
Cheng’s position on cross-strait issues and reformist agenda pits her against more traditional members of the KMT.
US & Central Asia: What Is the C5+1?
On November 6, 2025, the Central Asian presidents will gather in Washington DC. The summit will be the crowning achievement for a decade-old format.
Beyond Hardware: The Message Behind Singapore’s New Defense Acquisitions
For Singapore, whose security rests as much on perception as on capability, defense modernization is not a discretionary choice. It is strategic signaling.
Why Pakistan’s Gwadar Should Not Leave Behind Its History and Heritage
Gwadar’s historic role as an ancient natural port and trading hub, marked by diverse communities and historic structures, must inform its future urban planning.
India’s Labor Mobility Revolution: Turning Demographics Into Diplomacy
A new bill represents India’s attempt to reimagine labor mobility as a cornerstone of economic diplomacy.
Independence Is ‘Destiny’: Toroama Wins Bougainville Presidential Election
Incumbent President Ishmael Toroama believes that Bougainville should gain independence from PNG in 2027. His strong election victory shows that most voters agree.
Under New Leadership, What’s Next for Japan?
It’s a been crazy few months in Japanese politics.
Japan’s New Government Boasts High Approval Ratings
New Prime Minister Takaichi enjoys far more support than her immediate predecessors in the early stages of their terms.
Politics and Climate Change
Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney seems to have cooled on climate change. Do they mean what they say, or said?
North Korea in Ukraine: What It Means for the World
It is time to examine not only the effects and effectiveness of North Korean troops in combat, but the wider implications for international security and conflict management.
Chinese Hackers Reportedly Target India’s Power Grid
A U.S.-based private cybersecurity company says Chinese hackers targeted seven Indian electrical dispatch and grid control centers near a disputed border.
Can Kazakhstan Stay the Course on Economic Reform?
As Astana moves from crisis management to long-term planning mode, the challenge will be whether the government can stick to its economic reform plans.
What’s Missing From Australia’s Gender Equality Strategy?
The male backlash to female empowerment is a locally and globally destabilizing force and should be directly addressed.
China’s Push to Advance Rural Revitalization
Xi is promoting a new vision to tackle long-standing problems like the rural-urban divide, food security, and poverty.
Afghan Women Footballers Flee to Pakistan
The Afghan National Girls Youth Football team, its coaches, and their families were facing threats from the Taliban.
Game Changer: Trump Approves South Korea’s Nuclear Submarine Ambition
The decision will have major implications for the South Korea-U.S. alliance and beyond.
US Navy Christens New Littoral Combat Ship
The U.S. Navy’s latest warship was christened on April 14.
Pakistan and the Latest Reincarnation of Lashkar-e-Taiba
The India-Pakistan clashes of May 2025 hinged on the presence of Kashmir-focused militant groups in Pakistan – including one that claimed the Pahalgam attack. Where do these groups stand today?
From Vision to Capacity: Kazakhstan’s Push to Become a Eurasian Transit Hub
Kazakhstan has made 2025 a year of tangible achievements in its quest to become a Eurasian transit hub.
Philippine, UAE Have Applied for CPTPP Membership, Report Claims
The 12-nation trade pact is attracting prospective members eager to preserve the current global multilateral trading regime.
From Central Asia to Europe: What Is the Most Sustainable Transport Corridor?
A recent European study highlighted the Central Trans-Caspian Network as the best option to connect Central Asia with Europe.
When the Waters Rose: Taiwanese Solidarity in Guangfu
Within hours of the disastrous flood in Hualien County, volunteers poured in from across Taiwan.
US Navy Deploys Littoral Combat Ship Armed With New Naval Strike Missile to Pacific
The USS Gabrielle Giffords has deployed to the Indo-Pacific region earlier this month carrying a new over-the-horizon anti-ship missile.
China’s New Legislation on Deepfakes: Should the Rest of Asia Follow Suit?
China’s new regulations on deepfakes are the most comprehensive in the world. Will they provide a model for the rest of Asia to follow?
Can China’s New Charity Law Fix a Dismal Donation Rate?
Chinese charitable giving ranks at the bottom of the world. A new law aims to fix that.
Turning Off Starlink Coverage Won’t Destroy Myanmar’s Scam Centers
Cutting off the service could impact millions of civilians, while doing little to undermine the country’s criminal syndicates.
Asia’s Dual Scramble: Critical Minerals, Energy, and the Traders Holding It Together
With global supply chains under unprecedented strain, traders have a critical role to play.
The Cambodia-Thailand Border Dispute Remains Unresolved
Despite last month’s “peace accord,” it is only a matter of time before the dispute flares into conflict once more.
Could Australia’s Economy Survive Trump’s Position on China?
On rules of international trade, Canberra is more aligned with Beijing than Washington. How could the next U.S. president impact the relationship?
Why Australia Needs International Students
International students make important contributions to Australia’s economy, soft power, and – though it’s often overlooked – urban development.
China, Australia and a Compliant New Normal?
Direct external coercion isn’t necessary if concern for Beijing’s sensitivities and compliance become the new normal.
Is This Central Asia’s Green Energy Reckoning?
When it comes to energy security, Central Asian governments have shown an ability to adapt to shifting global and domestic trends.
Does ASEAN Actually Matter?
This year’s summit reflects the prominent place that ASEAN occupies in Asia’s diplomatic calendar. But some say the organization has devolved into an ineffective talk-shop.
‘Dark Ads’ Challenge Truth and Democracy in Australia
Political inaction and big tech’s reluctance to protect users leave Australians vulnerable to a murky world of digital misinformation going into the election.
Philanthropy Cooperation: A Bright Spot in China-US Relations
At a time when many areas of the relationship are experiencing tensions, China and the U.S. have seen strengthened philanthropy cooperation ever since the outbreak of COVID-19.
Bandit Rule: Pakistan’s Burning Domestic Security Issue
It’s not just terrorism and militancy – criminal gangs are a serious problem in parts of Sindh and Punjab.
Lessons in Peace Building and Conflict Resolution From Fergana
The Fergana Valley’s transformation from a conflict zone into a unified entity with collective identity demonstrates that stability is achievable even amid global uncertainty.
China’s ‘Common Prosperity’ Campaign is Going to Be Tough Going
Fixing inequality would require fundamental change in China’s tax structure and state system – reforms highly unlikely under the current political system.
Bangladesh: Where the Smoke Meets the Sea
In southeastern Bangladesh, life goes on under the expanding shadow of coal and gas-fired power plants.
Is Christianity Marape’s Political Saving Grace in Papua New Guinea?
PNG, recently rocked by riots, is likely to declare itself a “Christian nation” in early 2024.
The Quad in an ‘America First’ World
Eight years after its resurrection, the Quad still faces a significant gap between ambition and capability.
India’s Tryst With Strategic Experimentation
For India, progress has often begun as a gamble. Appetite for experimentation could be its key strategic asset.
A Week in Chengdu
Our traveling correspondent finds a native animal almost too cute to bear.
A Conundrum for Australia’s Liberal Party
The country’s primary conservative party – the Liberal Party – is struggling to find resonance among the stability-minded Australian population.
Ahmede Hussain on Bangladesh After the Monsoon Revolution
“The most significant challenge facing Bangladesh right now isn’t from the street or the public, but from the ruling elites themselves, particularly some of the major political parties.”
Symbolic No More? China’s Evolving Policy Tools Against US Sanctions
China is modernizing its economic statecraft, mirroring Washington’s approach. How might Beijing leverage these evolving policy tools to navigate the ongoing trade and tech wars?
The Taliban’s False Amnesty
When they first captured Kabul back in 1996, the Taliban promised amnesty. It wasn’t a genuine offer then, and it isn’t now either.
Did Trump Kill the Quad?
Trump’s moves are casting doubt on the prospect of a Leaders Summit – and the future of the Quad itself.
Nuclear Tests and Their Legacy of Harms in Asia-Pacific
Nuclear “tests” are best conceptualized as environmental disasters with consequences that are still felt today, particularly in Oceania and Central Asia.
When Women Betray Women: The Female Face of Afghanistan’s Oppression
Taliban women willingly uphold and enforce the regime’s harsh ideology, fully embracing the strict roles assigned to them.
Indonesian Activists Protest Plans to Grant Former President Suharto ‘Hero’ Status
The proposal to recognize the authoritarian former leader is a sign of the historical revisionism that has gained momentum under President Prabowo Subianto.
Trump 2.0 and the Debilitating, Discharging, and Devitalizing of Korean Companies
The South Korea-U.S. economic partnership stands at a crossroads now that Trump is occupying the White House.
What the 2025 APEC Summit Means for South Korea’s AI Ambitions
The deliverables from the Gyeongju Summit emphasized the heavy emphasis that Seoul is placing on AI.
Bangladesh and Pakistan Are Changing South Asia’s Geopolitical Landscape
Their growing alliance will not bring stability to the region. Rather, it will raise the geopolitical temperature and provoke more Indian pressure on Bangladesh.
Indonesia’s Never-Ending Quest for a National Car
President Prabowo Subianto says the country will begin producing a home-grown car within three years, but a lot of details remain unclear.
Uzbekistan’s Water Crisis Spells Debts for Farmers
At a time when saving water has become a matter of vital importance, it is no less crucial to monitor how the allocated funds are used.
Hawai’i’s Role in the US Indo-Pacific Energy Security Dilemma
Hawai’i’s local energy infrastructure issues have major implications for the security of U.S. forces in the Pacific.
In the Philippines, Corruption Protests Continue to Hound the Marcos Administration
Despite the president’s promises to crack down on high-level corruption, the pressure on his government continues to build.
To Address China’s Assertive Behavior in the South China Sea, the Philippines Should Focus on Sustainability
There’s another way to tackle China’s exclusion of Filipino fisherfolk from the South China Sea: cutting off its access to the Philippine seafood market.
China: Blue Porcelain and Rare Earths
China’s mineral-rich clays are the raw material for world-renowned porcelain – and super-strong magnets.
Kazakhstan’s Pragmatic Road Toward Europe
Strengthening ties with the EU could recalibrate the country’s balancing act between Russia and the West, especially when it comes to sanctions enforcement.
Political Parties in Japan Rally Around Tax Cuts
The new consensus reflects the overwhelming appeal of a consumption tax cut. Will the LDP join the chorus?
Sanctions, the Taliban, and an Iranian Port: The Uncertain Future of India’s Kabul Route
India’s approach to the Taliban has gradually shifted from purely humanitarian aid to a focus on trade and transit.
Escalating Tensions, Fresh Clashes on the Afghanistan-Pakistan Border
After air strikes and fighting on the border, a ceasefire has been declared. But how long can it hold?
Lee and Xi Agree to Strengthen China-South Korea Relations
Amid the aggravated rivalry between the two great powers, South Korea seeks to restore its bilateral relations with China.
Sugarcane’s ‘Black Snow’ Is Worsening Bangkok’s Air Pollution Crisis
So far, the Thai government’s efforts to improve its air quality have failed to address the systemic causes of the problem.
Chinese Rhetoric on Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands
Beijing is trying to drive a wedge between Okinawa and Tokyo.
Tunnels of Memory: Agent Orange and Vietnam’s Asymmetric Struggle for Justice
The Vietnam War, which came to an end 50 years ago this week, has been followed by a similarly lopsided war of historical memory.
Virtue and Vice Law Further Affirms Taliban’s Power in Afghanistan
With the new virtue and vice law, the Taliban are on track to take the country back to the norms of their late 1990s rule.
Building Tomorrow’s Leaders: How Global Schools Group Redefines Education
The international academic network champions innovation and inclusivity across 64 campuses and counting worldwide, preparing ethical citizens for a changing future.
Don’t Be Fooled by China Red Cross
Since the founding of the PRC, China Red Cross has existed to serve the Chinese Communist Party.
Myanmar’s Military Is Tightening Its Grip on Cyberspace
Tracking three major recent developments in the country’s junta-controlled digital sphere.
Czechia: China’s Punitive Silence on Replay
Beijing weaponizes communication channels to compel compliance, signal grievance, assert status, and inflict punishment.
Charities and Corruption in China
China’s Red Cross struggles with credibility issues even as it responds to the August 3 earthquake in Yunnan.
A New Name for New Delhi?
A BJP parliamentarian recently called for the renaming of the Indian capital as Indraprastha.
China’s Banner Year in Combat Aircraft
After massive developments in PLA aviation over the past year, it’s time for many observers to update their priors.
How to Save India-US Relations
Despite doubts about America at home, India must play a greater leadership role to safeguard the relationship over the next three years.
Singapore Introduces Mandatory Caning For Scamming Offenses
The move is the government’s latest attempt to combat a spike in financial fraud that has cost Singaporeans around $2.8 billion since 2020.
In Photos: Life on Cambodia’s Front Lines
Soldiers stand guard in Oddar Meanchey as civilians make the best of things after being evacuated to displacement camps during the border fighting in July.
New Zealand’s Recalibrated Foreign Policy at Play in Southeast Asia
Part of Wellington’s foreign policy reset seeks to reinforce ASEAN’s role in anchoring the wider region.
Rubio’s Nomination to Head US Diplomacy Bodes Well for Human Rights in China
The Florida senator has an opportunity to strengthen Donald Trump’s mixed record on holding Beijing accountable for abuses.
Afghanistan and the Long Shadow of Bagram
The former U.S. and Soviet air base has been a central location for empires for thousands of years. Does Trump truly understand its significance?
The Perils of Ignoring the Taliban Regime’s Support for Terror Groups
While Pakistan is bearing the brunt of terrorist attacks emanating from Afghanistan, the threat is wider. Regional and global peace is in peril.
Trump’s Foreign Policy Could Accelerate China’s Advance in Latin America
The administration’s approach to competition with China, and to global engagement more broadly, could unwittingly facilitate the extension of Beijing’s influence.
Afghanistan: It Can Never Be the Same
Photojournalist Lorenzo Tugnoli was in Afghanistan between 2019-2023, a pivotal time of transition and upheaval.
Will Lee Jae-myung Rise From South Korea’s Political Chaos?
Lee Jae-myung’s strategic bet – that he can leverage widespread public discontent without further deepening societal divisions – will pose a key test for South Korea’s democracy.
How Is Vietnam Navigating the New Trade War Era?
Can Vietnam adapt its economic model to this era of geopolitical fragmentation – or will it become collateral damage in someone else’s trade war?
Why India Must Accept Trump’s Offer of F-35 Combat Aircraft
The absence of a top-quality strike aircraft such as the F-35 is detracting from the IAF’s ability as a whole.
How China Spreads Authoritarian Practices Beyond Its Borders
China encourages autocratic practices in different ways that are tailored to local conditions. Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are prime examples.
In Laos, USAID Freeze Hampers Vital Bomb Removal Efforts
With its sweeping aid cuts, the Trump administration has effectively ended U.S. efforts to address a deadly legacy of the Vietnam War.
What’s Japan’s Problem with Foreigners?
Anti-foreigner sentiment is on the rise as Japan wrestles with how to keep its identity intact amid plummeting birth rates.
Migration From Kashmir: Between Hope and Heartache
What unites those who leave the valley in search of jobs isn’t merely departure, it’s disillusionment.
Bilateral Bonhomie During PM Modi’s Visit to the Maldives
Hugs and handshakes are heartening. But India needs to ensure that “India Out” campaigns do not re-emerge.
Australia’s Confidence Problem
The biggest current question facing Australia may not be whether it can trust the U.S., but whether it can have the confidence to trust itself.
Adani’s Controversial Footprint in India’s Neighborhood (and Elsewhere)
The growth of the Adani Group, especially overseas, has mirrored Modi’s political ascendancy. As a result, controversy involving Adani projects causes backlash against India as a whole.
US Planned Ban on Chinese Technology in Undersea Cables: Implications for Southeast Asia
The securitization of undersea cables intensifies the strategic balancing act that the region’s governments must maintain.
The US Tightening of Commercial Driver’s License Regulations Hurts Central Asian Migrants
The U.S. has implemented stricter regulations for non-U.S. citizens applying for a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Is the United States Relitigating Its Grand Strategy?
What can be gleaned from the first month of the second Trump administration about the U.S. approach to world affairs?
Thailand Secretly Surrenders At Least 40 Uyghur Asylum Seekers to China
A decade-long ordeal ends with sneaky appeasement and a slap in the face of Marco Rubio.
Pahalgam Attack Tests West Asian Countries’ Neutrality
As the space for bilateral diplomacy shrinks, many in New Delhi will interpret the neutrality of third-party countries as a pro-Pakistan position.
How Kazakhstan Can Build a Non-Resource-Based Growth Model
A non-resource-based growth path, anchored in clean energy, logistics, agriculture, and industrial upgrading, is a strategic necessity for Kazakhstan.
With Fourth Plenum, Xi Jinping Dares the US to Fight
Just ahead of the Trump-Xi summit, a high-level CCP meeting set the tone by emphasizing China’s push for tech supremacy.
Earthquake Presents ASEAN With An Opportunity to Reimagine Its Approach to Aid in Myanmar
The Southeast Asian bloc’s preferred approach and mechanisms are ill-suited to Myanmar’s contested political realities.
Pakistan’s Generals Are Marching Toward Another Disaster
The military’s approach reflects a familiar pattern: engaging in external aggression to mask internal decay and disarray.
On Ishiba Visit, Japan and Philippines Pledge Further Security Cooperation
United by a shared unease about China’s growing maritime assertiveness, Manila and Tokyo have pledged to build on the substantial advances of recent years.
The Future of Japan’s Official Development Assistance Under Takaichi
Takaichi is recasting Japan’s relationship with ASEAN from one of development partnership to one of security cooperation.
French Polynesia’s New Pro-Independence Leadership
The coming political transition in the island territory will have national and international consequences.
China’s Restless Workers
Labor strikes are rising in China as weak demand sees factories shutter and workers’ pay cut.
New Caledonia: Two Dreams, One Political Future
While the immediate unrest has paused, Kanaks say that sustainable peace is dependent on their grievances being addressed.
What China’s Ethnic Nationalism Means for Australia
Protecting its citizens from the CCP’s extraterritorial reach will be a major test of the resilience of Australia’s liberal democracy.
Self-kidnappings by Chinese Students Abroad: Mystery Solved
The puzzle presented by these incidents can only be understood in the context of China’s police brutality and growing transnational repression.
When Central Asia Came to Washington
The Trump administration’s transactional style was on fully display, with savvy Central Asian businessmen just as keen to get in on a deal.
Rain and Rainbows: Taiwan Celebrates Pride as Hong Kong’s LGBTQ Rights Stall
As Taiwan marks its sixth year of marriage equality, Hong Kong’s LGBTQ community grapples with a significant legal defeat.
Trump’s G2 Moment: Dawn of a New World Order?
The emergence of a robust G-2 dialogue may signal a transition from a unipolar world to a bipolar one.
Pakistan’s TTP Problem: Why Military Solutions Continue to Fail
Despite tactical successes over two decades, the strategic failure to eliminate or significantly degrade the TTP threat reflects deeper problems in Pakistan’s approach to counterterrorism and...
The Remaking of the Indian Army Since Operation Sindoor
India has been rapidly restructuring its military, taking advantage of the fact that it is still technically on a war footing.
American Democracy Versus Chinese Governance: The Ultimate Contest
U.S. democracy is viewed as failing, while Chinese governance is seen as succeeding. And while Trump’s presidency may be a symptom of that trend, it’s not the cause.
Mark Chou on Australia’s Post-Election Political Outlook
The Australian election result “masks a more sobering political reality: that Albanese and Labor were increasingly unpopular not all that long ago.”
Behind the Marble Walls: A Glimpse Into Turkmenistan
A rare trip to one of the world’s most secretive and authoritarian states.
The Nuclear Test Ban: Time to Finish What We Started
Two decades after the CTBT’s signing, now is time for the world’s leading states to come together to finish what we started
Why Standing by South Korea’s Hanwha Is a US Imperative
When China sanctioned units of Hanwha Ocean for its shipbuilding activities in the U.S., Washington’s response was a welcome change.
US ASEAN Policy Must Be Rooted in Economics, Not Just Defense
Southeast Asian countries heavily prioritize economics and trade, yet U.S. government policies toward ASEAN have often targeted countering China first.
South Asia’s Cultural Climate Is at Risk. What Can the US Do?
Encouraging South Asian nations to protect their historic multiculturalism will help reduce human rights violations, protect religious and ethnic minorities, and promote peace and stability.
Continued Deterioration in Australia-China Relations Fuels Talk of Olympic Boycott
China’s economic coercion against Australia is lending fuel to calls for a boycott of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
Japan’s Stem Cell Awakening
Japan’s foray into regenerative medicine takes on added importance for a nation wrestling with age, stagnation, and its place in the world.
Democracy Disfigured: India’s Political Devolution
India’s political system has shifted from limited democracy to party democracy and finally to plebiscitary democracy, a trend that reached its epitome with Modi.
Santorum Withdrawal Reaction
Rick Santorum is out of the race for the Republican presidential nomination. It won’t hurt foreign policy debate.
China’s Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Journey
As in some many cutting-edge sectors, China’s relationship with cryptocurrencies is defined by the competing forces of innovation and regulation.
China-based Hackers Breached Government and Individual Email Accounts, Microsoft Says
Microsoft said a group, dubbed Storm-0558, gained access to email accounts linked to 25 organizations, including Western European government agencies.
Funding Freedom in China: Time for Private Donors to Step Up
Many Chinese civil society organizations became reliant on now-frozen U.S. government aid after funding from private U.S. organizations dried up.
In Numbers: The Changing Composition of Populations in China, India, and Japan
A new DRI Trendlines looks at demographics of three leading Asian powers, and how key variables paint a complicated and, in large parts, pessimistic picture.
China Conducts South China Sea Patrol as US Defense Chief Visits Philippines
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has pledged to bolster Manila’s capacity to push back against Beijing’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.
Tokayev’s ‘New Kazakhstan’: Rebranding the Old Guard?
Three years after announcing a “New Kazakhstan,” has Tokayev truly changed Central Asia’s leading economy?
Amid Virus Fears, Clock Is Ticking for Companies Dependent on China Imports
The 2020 coronavirus scare comes at an already difficult time for many Chinese companies.
Making Sense of Bangladesh’s Monsoon Uprising
Six months ago, Asia’s Iron Lady, Sheikh Hasina, fell dramatically from power. What happened?
Why a Full-blown War Against the Taliban May Not Benefit Pakistan
The Pakistani economy is in dire straits. A prolonged war could bleed its economy further.
Asian Aviation: A Conversation With Matt Driskill
Where are travelers heading amid the post-pandemic shake-up of aviation trends?
Gi-Wook Shin on South Korea’s Political Maelstrom
The martial law episode – and all that followed – “reflects a broader global pattern of democratic erosion but also showcases Korea’s unique strengths.”
A Primer on The Resistance Front, the Group Behind the Pahalgam Attack
TRF is believed to be an offshoot of – or perhaps simply a front for – the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based armed group. That holds major implications for India’s response.
Chinese Hackers Blamed for Massive Microsoft Server Hack
The hack – believed to have initially targeted U.S. think tanks – eventually compromised hundreds of thousands of businesses and organizations.
Why the West Can’t Escape China’s Rare Earth Dominance – Yet
The pause on expert restrictions was neither the U.S. victory Trump proclaimed it to be nor the act of a supremely confident, unassailable China.
Taliban Rule Hits 4 Years as Global Divide Deepens
Despite the urgency of the crises in Afghanistan, the international community’s response has been fragmented and divided.
Chinese Aircraft Carrier Conducts Takeoffs and Landings Near Disputed Islands in the East China Sea
Japan must step up its response level to avoid becoming a “boiled frog.”
US Navy Littoral Combat Ship Arrives in Singapore for Rotational Deployment
The USS Montgomery arrived in Singapore on July 6 as part of a rotational deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.
The Political Shakeup in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir
After the violence of October, a new prime minister is set to take office. Protesters say that won’t change their demands.
‘Golden Age’ of the Japan-US Alliance in the Shadow of Abe
When everything was said and done, their first meeting defied everyone’s expectations – in a good way.
Why Trump Should Have Raised China’s Transnational Repression With Xi Jinping
Even amid de-escalation efforts, there is strategic value to rebuffing Beijing’s overreach.
Why the New Hangor-Class Submarines Are Crucial for the Pakistan Navy
At a time when the Indian Navy is modernizing at a rapid pace, the Hangor class will provide the Pakistan Navy a fighting chance.
New Freedom-Class Littoral Combat Ship Completes Acceptance Trials
The future USS St. Louis completed acceptance trials on Lake Michigan this month.
Through the Tempest: The Philippines’ Defense Posture in Troubled Waters
Domestic challenges threaten to derail the military’s efforts to upgrade its capabilities and reorient itself toward new strategic priorities.
The Strategic Costs of US Exchange Program Cuts in Southeast Asia
Such programs are a cost-effective and proven form of partnership-building. Their loss will undermine U.S. influence in a crucial region of the Indo-Pacific.
Lee Jae-myung’s North Korea Policy Is Built on Outdated Assumptions
Every South Korean liberal president, including Lee, has built their North Korea policy on three assumptions. None of them still holds true.
Cambodia: The Unbearable Memory of the Khmer Rouge
April 17, 1975 – the day Phnom Penh fell – can perhaps never be fully reappropriated because of the strong sense of shame and pain that surrounds it.
Uzbekistan to Introduce Visa-Free Entry for US Citizens From January 1
Meanwhile, Uzbek citizens face one of the highest visa-refusal rates in the United States.
Inside the Story of America’s Failure to Disarm North Korea
Why has the U.S. failed time and again to forestall North Korea’s nuclear ambitions?
Takaichi and Trump: The Japan-US Alliance Under New Management
Insights from Jeffrey Hornung.
US Navy Commissions New Littoral Combat Ship
The U.S. Navy commissioned its latest littoral combat ship on May 26.
The Trump-Xi Summits, Then and Now: Trade, Taiwan, and Russia
Six years after their last meeting, the agenda looks the same – but the needle has moved on each of the three top issues.
Inside China’s Struggle for Influence in Central Asia
For Beijing, Central Asia is a testing ground for its foreign policy innovations – and a challenge.
Thailand Announces Plans to Trace ‘Gray Money’ Transactions Linked to Scams, Crime
The government suspects that suspicious financial flows may be contributing to the unusual strength of the baht, which is weighing on the Thai economy.
Thai Opposition Party Files No-Confidence Motion Against PM Paetongtarn
The People’s Party accuses the leader of incompetence, lack of qualifications, and being under the undue sway of her father Thaksin Shinawatra.
Unruly Israeli Visitors, Thai Resentment, and Potential Dangers
Israeli expats have become a dominant presence in the northern town of Pai, on the border with Myanmar’s Shan State.
South Korea’s Foreign Aid at a Crossroads Under Lee Jae-myung
Seoul’s development diplomacy faces a crisis of identity as anti-corruption probes collide with cultural soft power ambitions.
China Is No Excuse for Biden to Ignore Human Rights in India
The increasing inseparability of offline and online rights abuses is manifestly clear in India.
China’s New Regional Policy: A Challenge to the Indo-Pacific?
Beijing runs an old playbook. But this time it has competition.
People, Finance, Nature: What COP30 Means for Southeast Asia
After years of patchy progress, the upcoming U.N. conference offers an opportunity for the region to take significant strides toward its climate goals.
The China Factor in Australia-US Relations
Australia’s strategic footing remains shaped by decisions made elsewhere – like the upcoming Trump-Xi summit.
China’s Export Control Playbook: More Than Just Rare Earths
China’s evolving export control regime targets a broad spectrum of other mineral resources and advanced technologies beyond the widely discussed rare earths.
Can the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Bring China and the US Together?
With China expected to sign the treaty and the U.S. considering it, SEANWFZ could serve as a pathway for strategic dialogue.
27th Amendment to Pakistan’s Constitution on the Anvil
The amendment is likely to pass as the ruling coalition has the necessary two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament.
25 Years On: How Resolution 1325 Transformed Women’s Role in Global Peace
Twenty-five years after its adoption, UN Resolution 1325 continues to influence global peacebuilding, emphasizing the essential role of women in achieving lasting peace.
What Public Opinion Reveals About China’s Approach to Global Conflicts
New survey data reveals an underappreciated layer of geopolitical calculus: the Chinese public’s appetite, or lack thereof, for foreign involvement.
South Korean President Hosts Outgoing Japanese Prime Minister
Days before the leadership election of Japan’s governing party, Ishiba Shigeru visited Busan to meet South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.
Why We Trust the Peacock’s Tail
As in the natural world, signaling – of wealth or virtue – plays an important role in political and social life.
Indonesia’s Economic Package: Relief Today, Risks Tomorrow
Will the administration's efforts to create jobs and alleviate cost of living pressures address the economy's most pressing challenges?
India’s Agni-Prime Rail-based Test Launch Is Aimed Squarely at Pakistan
Angi-P is a Pakistan-specific missile due to its range – and now it’s rail-mobile.
Are Huntsman, Romney Serious?
It’s possible to disagree with “serious and sensible” candidates. Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman are cases in point.