Blog
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.
Trans-Himalayan Railroads and Geopolitics in High Asia
By Prateek Joshi
India and Pakistan are both eager to build railroads in Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan.
With TPP's Demise, What Happens to US Intellectual Property Rights Abroad?
By Robert Farley
With TPP set to wither away, U.S. corporations will have to recalculate on intellectual property protections abroad.
US-Russian Relations Under a Trump Presidency: What to Expect
By Pal Dunay
The short honeymoon between Trump and Putin may well be followed by a long and difficult marriage.
North Korea Issues Final Word on the Obama Years, Looking Ahead to Trump
By Ankit Panda
An unusual foreign ministry memo from Pyongyang outlined North Korea's bottom line for any talks with the United States.
Japan Scrambles Jets as China Air Force Flies Bombers, Fighters Through Miyako Strait
By Ankit Panda
The Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force conducted a similar fly-through in September.
An India-Israel Entente
By Harsh V. Pant
An open relationship with Israel serves India well and it's about time Tel Aviv gets the recognition it deserves from New Delhi.
China's Maritime Strategy on the Horizon
By Tuan N. Pham
There's a fleeting strategic opportunity for the U.S. to influence Beijing’s looming and evolving maritime strategy.
Japan’s Military Deploys Abroad With New Rules of Engagement
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The Japanese government has approved new duties for Japanese peacekeepers in South Sudan.
A US Navy With 350 Ships... But What For?
By Robert Farley
What would the United States use 350 ships for if not its obligations to global order?
President Trump and the War in Afghanistan: What You Need to Know
By Shawn Snow
A situation report on the current terrain.
Is a Nuclear Freeze an Option for North Korea?
By Hyuk Kim
Lessons from the Agreed Framework show the International Atomic Energy Agency must play a key role in any deal.