Archive
November 2019
Will Bougainville Reopen the Panguna Mine?
By Joshua Mcdonald
With an independence referendum on the horizon, reopening the Panguna mine offers both attractive opportunities and terrible consequences.
Tsai Ing-wen Calls for Taiwan-US Bilateral Trade Agreement
By Nick Aspinwall
The TAIPEI Act, which passed the U.S. Senate last month, also urges negotiations for an FTA, but political obstacles prevent a deal from happening immediately.
The Fate of Sri Lanka’s Tamil National Anthem
By Dishani Senaratne
What the past (and future) of the Tamil version of the national anthem tells us about minority rights in Sri Lanka.
Cambodia’s Hun Sen Downplays Loss of EU Trade Privileges
By Associated Press
The premier continues to maintain the line that his country is willing to lose the benefits in order to preserve its sovereignty.
Quo Vadis Hong Kong?
By Patrick Hess
Demanding system change -- on either side -- is not a realistic way out of the crisis. Understanding the underlying traumas is.
The Trouble With Resuming Mount Kumgang Tourism
By Saeme Kim
Pyongyang’s move to demolish South Korean facilities has Seoul in a bind, but jumping to restart cooperation would be unwise.
Afghan Woman Ambassador Forms Group to Help Afghan Women
By Associated Press
Concern over the inclusion of women’s rights in a political solution with the Taliban prompted the move.
US Approves Sale of 5 C-130J Super Hercules Aircraft for New Zealand
By Ankit Panda
The C-130J will replace New Zealand’s C-130H aircraft.
The US Congress Needs Facts, Not Hyperbole, on China’s Space Program
By Gregory Kulacki
Alarming and factually challenged assessments of China’s space program should not guide U.S. policy.
Is It Time for a Stronger India-Brazil Relationship?
By Ketan Mehta
Modi and Bolsonaro might be the leaders to transform this stagnant relationship.
China’s Growing Amphib Fleet: A Cause for Long-Term Concern?
By Robert Farley
Is the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s growing set of amphibious capabilities a game-changer?
South Korea Faces Major Decision Over Military Pact With Japan
By Associated Press
A look at the General Security of Military Intelligence Agreement, or GSOMIA, which expires on Saturday unless Seoul renews it.
Fiddling While Australia Burns
By Joshua Mcdonald
While leaders prevaricate on climate issues, the toll is growing – this time in the form of devastating bushfires.
India Test Fires Two Prithvi-II Short-Range Nuclear-Capable Ballistic Missiles
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The tactical surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missiles were test fired at night on November 20.
US Defense Secretary Highlights Vietnam as Partner Against Chinese Influence
By Steven Stashwick
During a recent trip to Vietnam, the U.S. defense secretary also announced the transfer of an ex-U.S. Coast Guard cutter to the Vietnamese coast guard.
Thai Court Removes Pro-Democracy Politician From Parliament
By Associated Press
Thanathorn of the Future Forward Party has long been a thorn in the side of Thailand’s royalist-military ruling class.
The Asia-Pacific’s Education Crisis
By Lateisha Ugwuegbula
Educational gaps and shortcomings in the Asia-Pacific could make or break the 2030 SDG challenge.
North Korea Goes Nuclear: A Postmortem
By Denny Roy
How was North Korea able to attain nuclear missiles, despite U.S. opposition, when so many other countries have failed to do so?
Trump’s National Security Advisor and the Future of US-China Relations
By Michael Cerny
Tracing Robert C. O’Brien’s thoughts on China.
Is Duterte Waging a War on Women Opposition in the Philippines?
By Erin Cook
The president’s treatment of women who are opposed to him has highlighted the broader issues of sexism and misogyny surrounding him.
Upgrading Digital India’s Cybersecurity Model
By Connor Fairman
After weathering two major cyberattacks this fall, India needs to step up its cybersecurity measures.
Russia’s Military to Receive First Batch of 12 T-14 Main Battle Tanks in Coming Weeks
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The first 12 T-14 main battle tanks will reportedly be delivered to the Russian Army in late 2019 or early 2020.
What’s in the New South Korea-Philippines Shipbuilding Pact?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The new agreement highlights the continued inroads both countries are making in this realm.
The Looming Governance Crisis in Pakistan
By Umair Jamal
Has Imran Khan overplayed his hand in Pakistani politics?