Photo Essays

What Robert Gates Leaves Behind

Recent Features

Photo Essays | Politics

What Robert Gates Leaves Behind

How successful was Robert Gates as defence secretary? Top Asia analysts assess key US military relationships in the region, and look at the challenges facing his successor.

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates steps down on June 30 after almost five years in the job, and having served under both a Republican and Democrat president. The Diplomat asked some of the leading Asia analysts to assess how some of the key US military relationships developed under Gates, and the main challenges that his successor, Leon Panetta, faces as he takes over.