Asia Pacific in 2015: What to Expect
Table of Contents
An ambitious leader for an increasingly ambitious state.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wins reelection, but the policy challenges remain.
Why Turkmenistan will prevail over Russia as China’s primary pipeline gas supplier.
China can afford to move slowly in consolidating its influence on the international stage
As its economy transitions, China will need to undertake another major reform effort.
China claims its Internet will be multilateral, democratic, and transparent, but attacks on teachers suggest otherwise.
The U.S. and China are locked in a great power competition, and their primary goals are incompatible.
The protesters may be exhausted, but China’s problems with Hong Kong most definitely remain.
The new U.S.-Japan defense guidelines won’t transform the Asia-Pacific, but they are significant nonetheless.
The UN takes a step toward prosecuting North Korea for crimes against humanity, but China and Russia remain obstacles.
The opposition NPAD is electing new leaders, with significant implications for leftist politics in South Korea.
A big win in Taipei by an independent candidate owed to more than discontent over China policy.
China may not need to “abandon” North Korea, just as China never truly “had” North Korea.
Approaching the bicentennial of Waterloo, it is worth reflecting on the lasting Asian legacy of the Napoleonic Wars.
No more “good” and “bad” Taliban as Pakistan responds to a horrific slaughter at a Peshawar school.
Increasing state control over Grameen Bank will hardly serve the interests of Bangladesh.
High-level defections are troubling developments for President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
After a brief flicker of optimism, bilateral relations have soured once again.
Could a high-profile first lady improve the lot of Afghanistan’s women?
The Indonesian president’s new vision faces some formidable challenges<
With elections, ceasefire negotiations, and constitutional measures, 2015 will be a major test for the fledgling democracy.
The region is not short on laws that impinge on human rights. Here are some that need urgent attention.
The president promises to improve the country’s ease of doing business, but he’ll have a lot of red tape to cut through first.
Criticism of Cambodia’s handling of asylum seekers also puts a recent Australian deal back in the spotlight.
Things are not looking good for international NGOs in Kyrgyzstan.
Ankara has been noticeably reticent developing ties in the former Soviet sphere.
Russian officials certainly seem to think so. Others are less enthused.
South and Central Asia leaders sign an agreement that appears to have little chance of going anywhere.
Australia is in the market for some submarines. But who will the vendor be?
Rushing to fit lone wolf attacks into prevailing narratives is a mistake.
The ABC faces sweeping cuts under a PM who has done little to disguise his distaste for Australia’s national broadcaster.
A conference on South Pacific fishing has failed to strengthen safeguards for fast-dwindling stocks.
The Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement has taken effect, with considerable potential for Australia’s farmers.
Navies around the region are stepping up efforts to expand their submarine fleets.
In training a new generation of strategists, its best worth recalling Aristotle’s sage advice: strategy is a habit.
Iran air strikes in Iraq raise a host of difficult questions.
In a recently released position paper, Beijing outlines its reasons for rejecting a Philippine request for arbitration.
He’s finalized three big free trade deals this year, but Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott wants more.
Bilateral ties have long been rocky, but a recent defense deal marks a turning point.
India-China competition in South Asia
is as hot as ever, but India could be losing out to China in important ways.
The Hong Kong Occupy protests have inspired some fascinating art.
Pro boxing is taking off in China, helped by the emergence of a home-grown star.
A new philanthropic initiative may reintroduce Indian classical literature to the masses.