Archive
2020
US Air Force to Test New Hypersonic Missile
By Steven Stashwick
The Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon will go into production next year.
China Building Massive Myanmar Border Wall: Reports
By Sebastian Strangio
Western coverage has framed the wall as an attempt to keep dissidents from fleeing the country. The reality is more complex.
IOC Accused of Ignoring Human Rights for 2022 Beijing Games
By Associated Press
A minority rights coalition says the Olympic body has "turned a blind eye" to large-scale human rights abuses.
In Indonesia, Confucius Institutes Struggle to Dislodge Anti-Chinese Sentiment
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and M. Habib Pashya
Despite Beijing's best efforts at public diplomacy, suspicion is widespread among the Indonesian public.
China’s Digital Silk Road Initiative: A Boon for Developing Countries or a Danger to Freedom?
By Joshua Kurlantzick
Some observers worry that it will equip authoritarian governments with next-generation surveillance technologies.
US Government Officially Labels Vietnam a Currency Manipulator
By Sebastian Strangio
The unprecedented designation threatens to generate frictions with an important U.S. partner in Southeast Asia.
Can Uzbekistan Stay on Track in Improving its Human Rights Record?
By Nodirjon Kirgizbaev
Uzbekistan undoubtedly needs to continue implementing recent initiated reforms, but its progress is promising.
Taliban Team in Pakistan as Calls Grow for Afghan Ceasefire
By Associated Press
Violence remains high in Afghanistan as negotiators take a break. Talks are expected to resume in early January.
How Trump and the 2020 US Election Are Helping Authoritarians’ Domestic Causes
By Mai Truong
The Trump administration has gifted autocrats with three key tools for consolidating their strength at home.
India Inches Forward to Block Chinese Telecom Equipment
By Abhijnan Rej
A new directive to issue “trust source” certification for telecom equipment paves the way for a ban on Chinese 5G solutions.
Vandalized iPhone Plant Highlights India’s Torturous Economic Path
By Abhijnan Rej
Under- and overregulation of markets have both introduced their share of problems in the Indian economy.
Masks Key to Keeping Japan’s COVID-19 Caseload Low
By Associated Press
Mask wearing and voluntary compliance with social distancing helped Japan avoid a full lockdown. But with cases climbing again, will Tokyo’s approach hold?