How Taiwan Can Keep Its Diplomatic Partners
Over the past decade, Taiwan has lost its diplomatic partners at an alarming rate – 11 countries have switched recognition to the Peoples Republic of China (PRC), leaving Taipei with 12 partners. Some...
View ArticleThe Real Meaning Behind China’s Live-Fire Drills Near Australia and New Zealand
The recent circumnavigation of Australia by People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships suggests the PLAN is getting closer to operationalizing theater-level concepts such as blocking key...
View ArticleIndonesia’s Rupiah Falls to Lowest Level Since Asian Financial Crisis
The Indonesian rupiah yesterday fell to its lowest level since the Asian financial crisis of 1998, reflecting concerns about the government’s fiscal trajectory and the uncertainties about incoming U.S....
View ArticleThe Globalization of Philippine Political Trolling
On March 11, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested under a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). He faces charges of crimes against humanity related to his...
View ArticleThailand’s PM Survives Parliamentary Vote of No-confidence
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has survived a parliamentary vote of no-confidence filed by opposition lawmakers who accuse her of failing to fulfill the duties of her office and...
View ArticleUzbekistan’s Evolving Northern Afghanistan Strategy
Afghan-Uzbek relations are expected to reach to a new high in 2025. Last year, the two countries stated aims to increase bilateral trade turnover to $3 billion. The planned construction of an Uzbek...
View ArticleUS Private Equity Is Making Interesting Moves in the Indo-Pacific
I recently wrote about the de-listing of Malaysia Airports from the Malaysian stock exchange. It was taken over by a consortium of investors led by two government-linked investment vehicles: sovereign...
View ArticleTrump and Putin: A Massive Change of Heart and What It Means for Central Asia
Last month’s U.N. General Assembly 11th emergency special session – dedicated to the resolution of the war in Ukraine – illuminated a shift in support from the United States. The U.S. seems to have had...
View ArticleLiving in Shadows: Navigating the Realities of Sex Work in Nepal
Seated in a cramped room in Kathmandu, 33-year-old Rekha* recounted her life of struggle as the sole provider of herself and her three children. Rekha grew up in Bhojpur of Koshi province, in a...
View ArticleDuring Ramadan, China’s ‘Muslim Diplomacy’ Unfolds in Indonesia
Each year during Ramadan in Indonesia, the communal breaking of the fast serves not only as a religious observance but also as a platform for diplomatic engagement. As in previous years, during this...
View ArticleWill India Join the Squad?
At the recent Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, Philippines’ Armed Forces Chief General Romeo S. Brawner revealed ongoing discussions to expand the membership of the “Squad” grouping of nations. “Together...
View ArticleBangladesh to Seal Deal with Musk’s Starlink
On March 25, the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government Mohammad Yunus announced that a commercial deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX-owned satellite internet network Starlink is expected to be...
View ArticleThe Drone Dilemma: How Unchecked Warfare From Above Threatens the Indo-Pacific
On the night of March 20, 2025, the skies over Odesa, Ukraine, erupted in chaos. Wave after wave of Russian drones descended on the port city, their low hum a prelude to explosions that lit up the...
View ArticlePanama Port Deal Puts Hong Kong Businesses at a Crossroads
The ownership of two key ports along the Panama Canal has become a major flashpoint between the United States and China. At the heart of the showdown is the Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings and...
View ArticleUSAGM Reverses Course on RFE/RL and OTF Grant Terminations
The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) has reportedly rescinded its March 15 letters terminating its grants for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and the Open Technology Fund (OTF). The reversals come...
View ArticleIn China, Putting a Roof on a Half-finished Building Is Cause for Celebration
On the outskirts of Lanzhou, a city in western China, a large banner plastered over an unfinished residential complex celebrated not the Lunar New Year or China’s National Day, but something altogether...
View ArticleThai Cabinet Approves Second Draft of Contentious Casino Bill
Thailand’s cabinet has approved the second draft of a law that would legalize casino gambling, with the aim of building a world-class gaming industry and expanding the country’s tourism sector. The...
View ArticleMyanmar Military Chief Says Election to Be Held in December
The head of Myanmar’s military junta yesterday vowed to hold a long-planned election in December, urging the regime’s opponents to put down their weapons and re-enter the legal fold. During a speech at...
View ArticleIndia and Australia Discuss Ways to Increase Already Close Defense Cooperation
A fortnight after the Indian and Australian cricket teams battled each other on the cricket pitch, the sports rivalry receded into the background as defense officials from New Delhi and Canberra...
View ArticleConflict in India’s Manipur Takes a New Turn With Intra-Community Clashes
The Indian government’s efforts to normalize the situation in conflict-ridden Manipur has met with limited success, revealing the deep and multi-layered faultlines in the border state that has been...
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