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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.
January 05, 2021
India Releases Draft Arctic Policy
By Abhijnan Rej
As China makes inroads in the Arctic, India seeks to throw its hat in the regional geopolitical ring.
January 04, 2021
Iran Flexes Muscle as Trump Seeks to Restore Deterrence — Again
By Abhijnan Rej
Iran’s resumption of uranium enrichment as well as seizure of a South Korean tanker stands to needle an administration hopelessly obsessed with Tehran.
January 04, 2021
Biden’s Climate Dilemma: Whither Geopolitics?
By Abhijnan Rej
China and United States should cooperate on global risks mitigation even if it means pushing geopolitics aside. But is that possible?
January 04, 2021
What Does Vietnam Want from the US in the South China Sea?
By Derek Grossman
Despite seeking a balance between the superpowers, Vietnam desires more robust security ties with Washington.
December 31, 2020
India-Russia Relations Face More Trouble
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
India and Russia cancelled their annual summit for the first time in two decades. Is China the reason why?
December 30, 2020
The Chinese Coast Guard and the Senkaku
By Tsuruta Jun
Activities of the last year suggest what the future might hold.
December 29, 2020
Will US Policy on Intellectual Property Protection Change Under Biden?
By Robert Farley
The Biden administration is likely to treat IP questions as a crucial component of national security.
December 29, 2020
To Face Down China, Should the United States Turn Away From the Middle East?
By Robert Farley
It’s not that simple. Any effort to characterize China as an existential threat implies a level of conflict that will provide justification for U.S. intervention anywhere in the world.
December 24, 2020
5 Books to Understand 2020
By Abhijnan Rej
Geopolitical tensions on top of a pandemic has made 2020 a turning point for many countries. Here are five books to understand the year better – and what the future may hold.
December 24, 2020
Is France Capable of Being an Indo-Pacific Power?
By Kim Beng Phar and Clementine Bizot
France is rarely mentioned as an important actor in the Indo-Pacific, but its vast EEZ in the region underpins its interests.
December 23, 2020
The Lesson of 2020? Security Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does
By Jacob Parakilas
And science and technology will only take us so far when it comes to future threats, conventional or otherwise.
December 22, 2020
Biden and the Credibility Conundrum: What If China Attacks Taiwan?
By Robert Farley
American presidents have worried about the credibility of their threats since the beginning of the Nuclear Age.