Archive
2019
Scramble for the Indo-Pacific Seabed
By Drake Long
China is poised to dominate seabed mining – if it ever becomes feasible, that is.
Tracking Down the Fruits of Xinjiang’s Forced Labor Industry
By Juozapas Bagdonas
A few clicks reveals several U.S. companies are benefiting from China’s oppression of Muslims.
Social Media in Asia: A New Frontier for Mass Surveillance and Political Manipulation
By Samuel Woodhams
Although stark across Asia, the rise of social media monitoring tools and disinformation campaigns is a global phenomenon.
Is BRICS Losing Its Shine for China?
By Eleanor Albert
Excitement surrounding the BRICS may be waning as economic and political divisions grow.
Myanmar’s Rohingya Crisis: International Court Judges Authorize Investigation
By Associated Press
Legal developments on the Rohingya crisis were in the international spotlight again this week.
Tiger Triumph: US-India Military Relations Get More Complex
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
A new exercise has reinforced the trend of deepening defense collaboration between the two sides.
Australia’s Largest Warships Achieve Final Operational Capability
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The Royal Australian Navy’s two Canberra-class landing helicopter dock ships have achieved final operational capability.
The Indo-Pacific: A Survival Guide for ‘Hobbits’
By Natasha Fernando
Using Tolkien’s Middle Earth as a metaphor for the complexities of the region.
China’s Pacific Challenge
By Lucio Blanco Pitlo III
China's outreach to Pacific island states is gaining steam, to the chagrin of other regional powers.
Prolonged Patience: Elections in Afghanistan
By Gabriel M. Piccillo
The results are still being debated and turnout was low. But Afghanistan’s democracy remains the lone source of hope for the country.
US Defense Secretary: US Could Alter Military Drills to Boost North Korea Talks
By Associated Press
Mark Esper said that he is open to the possibility of altering U.S. military activities in South Korea if it would help advance a diplomatic deal with North Korea.
US Intermediate-Range Missiles in East Asia: Critical Deterrent or Needless Provocation?
By Steven Stashwick
It isn’t clear that the United States necessarily needs land-based intermediate missiles to achieve the missions they are envisioned for.