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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.
February 26, 2021
Can Europe Make a Difference in Myanmar?
By Sophie Boisseau du Rocher and Felix Heiduck
How the EU reacts to the coup is litmus test not only for its support of democracy in Myanmar, but also for its capacity to adjust to new systemic challenges in the region.
February 26, 2021
Even as Peace Talks Resume, Killing Soars in Afghanistan
By Ezzatullah Mehrdad
After a month-long hiatus, the Taliban and Afghan government are talking again. Will it make a difference for Afghans?
February 25, 2021
India and Pakistan Announce Ceasefire Across Disputed Border
By Abhijnan Rej
The sudden announcement comes weeks after Chinese and Indian forces began their military disengagement in eastern Ladakh.
February 24, 2021
China and India Declare Ladakh Victory – On Traditional and Social Media
By Abhijnan Rej
As the ten-month long standoff in Ladakh inches toward resolution, both sides are eager to score domestic points.
February 23, 2021
Welcome to the All-Consuming Great Power Competition
By Robert Farley
The rhetoric of great power competition threatens to devour every other aspect of U.S. foreign policy.
February 18, 2021
Iranian and Russian Navies Exercise in Northern Indian Ocean
By Abhijnan Rej
While Moscow and Tehran continue to publicly signal their growing convergence, there is more to the relationship than what meets the eye.
February 17, 2021
President Biden’s Afghanistan Challenge
By Daud Khattak
The fate of the U.S.-Taliban deal hangs in the balance, while the peace process stalls. What will the Biden administration ultimately do about Afghanistan?
February 17, 2021
After Manila: the Law of Armed Conflict and Victor’s Justice
By Robert Farley
At the time, the defense of Manila was the single most consequential event of the Pacific War from the point of view of the law of armed conflict.
February 13, 2021
Will the Biden Administration Push Russia and China Closer Together?
By Natasha Kuhrt and Marcin Kaczmarski
Sino-Russian relations are largely motivated by anti-Americanism – but that alone will only advance ties so far.
February 13, 2021
Could the Destruction of Manila in 1945 Have Been Avoided?
By Robert Farley
The question vexed planners at the time, and has been debated extensively in the years since.
February 12, 2021
Remembering the Battle of Manila, 76 Years Later
By Robert Farley
The Battle of Manila was the largest urban contest of the Pacific War.
February 12, 2021
Indian Defense Minister Outlines Ladakh Disengagement Plan
By Abhijnan Rej
Rajnath Singh’s speech at the upper house of the Indian parliament described a plan to create a buffer zone in the north bank of Pangong Lake.
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