Region
East Asia
China’s Growing Strategic Position in Nicaragua
By R. Evan Ellis
After resuming diplomatic ties in 2021, the relationship got off to a slow start but has recently picked up steam.
Shifting Visions of the South Korea-US Alliance
By Clint Work and Joo Young Kim
Changes in the official “Defense Vision” documents show clearly how conceptions of the alliance have evolved from 2019 to 2023.
Urbanization, Innovation, and Solutions in Mongolia’s Capital City
By Katie Schulder-Battis
As Ulaanbaatar’s population swells, nonprofits are mobilizing to create sustainable solutions to infrastructural issues that pose safety risks and health hazards.
Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas Wars Reveal the Importance of Weapons Production
By Vasabjit Banerjee and Benjamin Tkach
Current conflicts offer a reminder to China and the U.S.: Arms do not deliver victory only through technological advantage but also through availability.
Will Xi Jinping Visit Mongolia in 2024?
By Sumiya Chuluunbaatar
Many factors both inside and outside Mongolia may affect the Chinese leader’s rumored visit to Ulaanbaatar next year.
Moving Beyond ‘Checkbook Diplomacy’? Japan’s Changing Refugee Policy
By Maximilien Xavier Rehm
In its response to recent events in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Ukraine, Japan has demonstrated greater flexibility in admitting those needing refuge.
After APEC: Whither US Leadership on Trade?
By Chris Dixon and Bob Savic
Washington’s failure in approving the IPEF trade pillar sent a clear message to Asia-Pacific partners. But all is not lost.
As Taiwan’s Election Nears, China’s Espionage, Interference Attempts Come Under Scrutiny
By Brian Hioe
There has been an increased number of reports on espionage plots and disinformation campaigns, and Taiwan's government is eager to show it is taking action.
Understanding China’s Position on the Israel-Palestine Conflict
By Sercan Çalışkan
Beijing is contrasting its approach with Washington's in a bid to win favor from the Gulf states – while still treading cautiously.
Japan-Italy-UK Joint Fighter Program Takes a Step Forward With New Treaty
By Takahashi Kosuke
Japan, Britain, and Italy agreed to establish a joint organization to develop a new sixth-generation fighter jet.
Decoding China’s Foreign Policy Approach Toward Belarus
By Mashal Zahid
Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko recently visited China for the second time this year. What's behind the deepening partnership?
Kishida Replaces 4 Cabinet Members as Japan’s Political Fundraising Scandal Deepens
By Thisanka Siripala
The government is in damage control mode as it scrambles to contain public distrust over underreported fundraising revenue.