Blog
Flashpoints
Will China’s military rival the United States’ in the Pacific? Will Japan abandon the constitutional fetters on its own military? How will India respond to the String of Pearls strategy? The Diplomat has put together a team of leading analysts to offer must-read, regular commentary on the big defense and security issues in the Asia-Pacific.
How Strong is the Iran-Russia ‘Alliance’?
By Samuel Ramani
The long-term sustainability of the current Moscow-Tehran alignment remains unclear.
New Photographs Show China's South China Sea Artificial Islands Like You've Never Seen Them
By Ankit Panda
A look at China's militarization of its artificial islands in high resolution.
What to Watch For at North Korea's Upcoming Military Parade
By Ankit Panda
Count the number of ICBM launch vehicles.
Preventive Self-Defense Strikes Against North Korea May Set an Uneasy Precedent
By Robert Farley
What would the international legal consequences of a United States attack on North Korea be?
Philippine Navy Deploys Japan-Donated TC-90 Aircraft to Scarborough Shoal in South China Sea
By Ankit Panda
The deployment was a first for the Philippine Navy.
Asia's Energy Security Future: The Geopolitical Dimension
By Niharika Tagotra
Asia’s oil demands are set to boom and security concerns could multiply as well.
What 'Back to the Future' Teaches About the Future of War
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Doc and Marty's time traveling adventures may have produced one of the most important insights into the future of war.
What Austria's Emperor Franz Joseph Can Teach Trump About War With North Korea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Franz Joseph saw an opportunity through war to ‘Make Austria-Hungary great again.' Instead he plunged the world into global conflict.
Is a Better American Nuclear Arsenal Good for the Asia-Pacific?
By Kim Mu Kwan (Harry)
U.S. modernization efforts risk sparking a nuclear arms race with China.
The Fog of Peace and Limited Strikes on North Korea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
When debating possible limited strikes on North Korea, let us not forget the inherent unpredictability of war.
The Trump Administration's National Security and National Defense Strategies Reveal a Change in Mindset Toward China
By Dingding Chen
Competition is going to be fierce, but conflict is still less likely and manageable.
Iranian Oil Tanker Disaster Highlights Northeast Asia's Faultlines
By Tom Corben
Without substantial revisions to multilateral regimes, the Sanchi environmental crisis will not be the last of its kind.