Archive
August 2021
Zapad/Interaction Military Exercise 2021: Growing China-Russia Bonhomie?
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
In the face of isolation from the West, Russia feels that it has no choice but buttress this strategic partnership with China.
The Fight for Afghanistan’s Future
By Ankit Panda
What lies ahead for Afghanistan as the United States withdraws and fighting between the Taliban and the government intensifies?
China’s Tech Sector Regulations Are Costly But Not Shocking
By Sara Hsu
The flurry of tech industry regulations follows China’s typical pattern of regulatory crackdown on a sector that has been allowed to grow over time.
Can Uzbekistan and Pakistan Help Stabilize Afghanistan?
By James Durso
Focusing on trade networks, Afghanistan’s neighbors hope to forge regional stability in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal.
Delta Variant Challenges China’s Costly Lockdown Strategy
By Joe McDonald and Huizhong Wu
China’s “zero tolerance” policy against the virus may not be workable in the face of the highly contagious Delta strain.
Australian Government Agrees to Implement Magnitsky-like Laws
By Philip Citowicki
The reforms will enable the imposition of targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on individuals for a broad litany of violations.
Why Did China Crack Down on Its Ed-Tech Industry?
By Lizzi C. Lee
Beijing’s latest move is a response to long-held public grievances about educational inequality and the resulting pressure to keep up.
Airstrikes Pummel Taliban Positions in Southern Afghanistan
By Tameem Akhgar and Rahim Faiez
Meanwhile, Taliban forces close in on a district center in the north.
North Korea’s Public Security Gets Lessons From China
By Seulkee Jang
North Korea’s Ministry of Social Security is receiving training from China’s Ministry of Public Security.
Japan Was Right to Hold the Tokyo Olympics
By John Lee
The Games are a brave testament to the possibility of living with COVID-19, while keeping the worst effects at bay.
Rhetoric Aside, America’s Asian Partners Are Giving Up on Their Own Defense
By Justin Logan
When it comes to burden-sharing, banging the table doesn’t work -- doubt about the U.S. commitment does.
Searching for the Next War: What Happens When Contractors Leave Afghanistan?
By Noah Coburn and Peter Gill
As U.S. troops withdraw, many contract employees – most of them from poor countries, including Nepal – are leaving Afghanistan and fanning out around the world.