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.
Why Afghanistan Needs Pakistan
By James L. Creighton
The Afghan President is reaching out to Pakistan. A former U.S. brigade commander thinks that’s a good thing.
Right and Wrong on the South China Sea
By Greg Austin
“Right and wrong” is not as important as the obligation of states to the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Who Is the Biggest Aggressor in the South China Sea? (A Rejoinder)
By Carl Thayer
China's track record in the South China Sea is markedly different from those of the other claimants.
Mitch McConnell, Kentucky, and the Asia-Pacific
By Robert Farley
Mitch McConnell of Kentucky has said a thing or two about the Asia-Pacific.
East Asia and the Kentucky Derby
By Robert Farley
Where does East Asia stand in the globalization of horse racing?
South China Sea: Satellite Images Show Pace of China’s Subi Reef Reclamation
By Victor Robert Lee
China is adding 8 acres a day, while other images corroborate Malaysia on South Luconia Shoals.
Global Peace Index: South China Sea a 'Potential Area For Conflict'
By Franz-Stefan Gady
A new report highlights an increasing division between the most and least peaceful nations - including in Asia.
Who Is the Biggest Aggressor in the South China Sea?
By Greg Austin
In the past 20 years, Vietnam has doubled its holdings in the South China Sea.
The Truth About China’s South China Sea Land Reclamation Announcement
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Beijing’s declaration tells us nothing new and does little to ease worries about its behavior.
Hijacked Malaysian Tanker Sparks Regional Response
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The country steps up efforts to find a missing vessel with the help of regional states.
Former US Spymaster: China Could Use OPM Data to Recruit Spies
By Ankit Panda
A former NSA and CIA chief outlines the damage the OPM hack could unleash.
Restraint No More: India Reassesses Its Hard Power
By Harsh V. Pant
With its cross-border covert strike into Myanmar, India's views on hard power come into focus.