Topic
Security
Now That It’s a Reality, Does Taiwan Still Back Extended Military Conscription?
By Kuan-chen Lee
As Taiwan’s first cohort of one-year conscripts complete their basic training, the public remains heavily supportive of the policy change.
Why Did the Islamic State Target Russia?
Lucas Webber, the co-founder and editor of militantwire.com, discusses the horrific attack in Russia, and the links to Islamic State’s Afghan branch, also known as ISKP.
Taiwan Debates a Presidential Visit to the South China Sea
By Andrew Orchard
The outcome of Taiwan's domestic debate about whether President Tsai Ing-wen should visit Itu Aba could have regional implications.
Australia’s Smart Investment in Its Naval Fleet
By Wilson Beaver and Maria Victoria Almeida Vazquez
The country's new defense plans will only work if adequately funded, and if Australian policymakers can avoid the spending decision mistakes other nations have made.
Proactive Pacifism, Arms Exports, and Japan’s Quest to Be ‘One of the Good Guys’
By James Kaizuka
The Kishida administration’s decision to export advanced fighter jets is part of a long evolution in Japan’s understanding of what it means to be a peaceful nation.
Undersea Cables are Increasingly Critical and Vulnerable
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Undersea cables must be understood as critical infrastructure, and their vulnerability – to intentional tampering and accidental damage – acknowledged.
Kyrgyzstan Warns Citizens Against Travel to Russia
By Catherine Putz
In the wake of the horrific Crocus City Hall attack, allegedly perpetrated by Tajik nationals, Bishkek has issued a recommendation that its citizens avoid unnecessary travel to Russia.
Suicide Attack in Pakistan Kills 5 Chinese Nationals and Their Local Driver
By Riaz Khan
The victims were construction workers and engineers working at the Dasu Dam, Pakistan’s largest hydropower project.
Indonesia Arrests 13 Soldiers in Investigation of Papua Torture Video
By Sebastian Strangio
The armed forces were forced to issue a rare apology after a video showing soldiers torturing a Papuan separatist fighter was posted online.
The C5+1 Critical Mineral Dialogue: What It Means and How We Got Here
By Charley Ward
It is promising that the CMD met just months after it was announced, seeming to indicate that all involved are serious about scaling up Central Asia’s role in global critical mineral supply chains.
Crocus City Hall Attack: Deciphering Central Asian Jihadism and Russian Counterterrorism
By Uran Botobekov
The Kremlin has made a concerted effort to implicate Ukraine, despite the absence of evidence linking Kyiv to the attack. Meanwhile, ISKP poses a clear threat to Russia.
India’s Submarine Saga
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Without timely replenishment, India could end up with a submarine fleet similar to that of Pakistan.