Credit: RPSantos / Flickr Few countries are more vital to the United States’ strategy in Asia than the Philippines. Once a U.S. colony, the Southeast Asian archipelago remains a key ally to the United States and an important bulwark against China’s territorial ambitions in the South China Sea. But in recent years, the Philippine government … Continue reading What Does Bongbong Marcos’ Win Mean for the United States in Southeast Asia?
Category: Indo-Pacific
The Revival of Strategic Competition in West Africa: Western Intransigence and Eastern Assertiveness
The Reemergence of Geopolitical Alignment On September 1, 1961, in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, 25 heads of state hailing from four continents—from Cuba in the West to Indonesia in the East, gathered to formally establish the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Born ideologically of the movements for anti-colonialism, non-interference, and pacifism, it would morph into an explicit geopolitical position … Continue reading The Revival of Strategic Competition in West Africa: Western Intransigence and Eastern Assertiveness
“Bongbong” and China
Philippine presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos “Bongbong” Jr. Photo Credit: Rappler Marcos “Bongbong” Jr. is bound to win the Philippines’ presidential election on May 9. In the latest polling, 56% of the electorate prefers his candidacy. Through evasion of media scrutiny, a sophisticated public relations campaign, and heavy doses of social media misinformation, Marcos has been … Continue reading “Bongbong” and China
Will Japan and Russia Ever Be at Peace?
Then-Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida shaking hands with President Vladimir Putin in 2016. Photo Credit: Newsweek Japan On August 9, 1945, merely hours before the B-29 bomber Bockscar dropped the “Fat Man” on Nagasaki, the Soviet Union began its offensive against the Japanese Kwantung Army in Manchuria. Within days, the imperial forces surrendered and ceded control … Continue reading Will Japan and Russia Ever Be at Peace?
The Ukraine-Russia War: An Uncertain Future for Indian Defense Modernization
Photo Credit:Agence France-Presse In the days following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in late February, India remained silent. In the United Nations Security Council, where India is currently a non-permanent member, and in the General Assembly, India has noticeably abstained on resolutions condemning Russia. This silence has prompted international criticism given Russian targeting of … Continue reading The Ukraine-Russia War: An Uncertain Future for Indian Defense Modernization
“Blinding the Elephant:” Assessing PLA Systems Confrontation and the Fight for Information Dominance
In 2034: A Novel of the Next World War, China and the United States become embroiled in a conflict that centers on information dominance. Naval aviators are unable to communicate with their higher command, aviation control mechanisms are rendered inoperable, and sea cable disruption leads to a communication blackout. This contributes to the U.S. becoming … Continue reading “Blinding the Elephant:” Assessing PLA Systems Confrontation and the Fight for Information Dominance
An Unlikely Pair: The Link Between the Uyghur Genocide and 9/11
Two people wearing masks showing colors of the Uighur heartland's flag with a hand painted with the Chinese Communist Party's colors over it. Photo Credit: Reuters/Lucy Nicholson As the U.S., Canada, the Netherlands, and other countries condemn China’s violence, internment, sterilization, and so-called re-education against its Uyghur population for the crime that it is—genocide—China’s actions … Continue reading An Unlikely Pair: The Link Between the Uyghur Genocide and 9/11
It’s the Politics, Stupid: US Public and Elite Opinion on Defending Taiwan
U.S., Japanese and Australian forces conduct trilateral military drilling exercises in the South China Sea. Photo Credit: U.S. Navy Analyzing the political trends makes one thing clear: if the United States chooses not to forcefully defend Taiwan, public or elite opinion won’t be the culprits standing in the way. The Status Quo: Strategic Ambiguity Joe … Continue reading It’s the Politics, Stupid: US Public and Elite Opinion on Defending Taiwan
To Succeed at “Strategic Competition,” Invest in Strategic Communications
Photo Credit: Mel Gurtov, “Testing Time for US-China Relations,” China-United States Exchange Foundation, May 4, 2020. “Just as water’s flow avoids the high ground and rushes to the low, so, too, the victor avoids the enemy’s strong points and strikes where he is weak”— Sun Tzu[i] Recently, the White House reframed its relationship with China … Continue reading To Succeed at “Strategic Competition,” Invest in Strategic Communications
Growth of Space and Lunar Stations: Promise Amidst Geopolitical Risk
June 2021: Chinese astronauts prepare for a mission to China's space station. Photo Credit: New York Times The April launch of the core module of China’s new space station has marked the start of a new era of sustained human presence in space.[i] Over the next decade, countries and corporations are planning to deploy a … Continue reading Growth of Space and Lunar Stations: Promise Amidst Geopolitical Risk