Can the US Deter a Taiwan Invasion?

In this issue we look at the political decision-making that can make war possible – or nearly impossible – and the social pressures that contribute to those choices.

Rethinking “strategic ambiguity” is important, but in the meantime Washington must compensate for its dwindling military advantage over China with more costly signals of political resolve.

How does Japan’s post-war constitution hold up in an era of increasing great power competition and unexpected emergencies?

How best to manage ties with China ought to be a central election issue, but the campaign narratives are focused on posturing rather than policy.

Global attention on Afghanistan has largely dried up, but the Afghan diaspora cannot look away.

“North Korea is not sending signals it is open to diplomacy, but waiting for it to do so is a serious mistake.”

Once again, China is learning that its investments and influence in another country are always subject to domestic politics.

The quarantine crisis in Shanghai is proof that China’s “zero COVID” policy has taken on a life of its own.

Beijing’s ideal vision for China-EU relations urgently needs an update to grapple with recent developments – starting with the Ukraine war.

The party-state is using its extensive information control toolbox to artificially amplify its version of Russia’s invasion.

Lee is back in Taiwan after serving a five-year sentence for “subverting state power.” Several other Taiwanese remain in detention on politically motivated charges.

A look back at the alliance under the tenure of outgoing President Moon Jae-in.

Would Japan’s military and people be able to replicate Ukraine’s resilient and determined response in the face of an invasion?

The incoming Yoon administration will change Seoul’s overtures on North Korea issues. As a result, the arms race will likely be intensified in the coming years.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has forced the Japanese government to confront its energy sufficiency woes. Speeding up the development of offshore wind power is one solution.

It was the second highest number of scrambles in a single year, representing the worsening security environment surrounding Japan.

Sri Lankans are calling for the end of Rajapaksa rule, but President Gotabaya and Prime Minister Mahinda are not budging.

The next few months will be tough for new Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with a host of domestic and international challenges.

In the emerging global order, is India’s hewing to “strategic autonomy” more trouble than it’s worth?

Nepal is heading into its second round of local elections under its 2015 constitution. How have local governments fared in their inaugural session?

The Delhi-driven subregional arrangement faces a number of challenges but stands as a noteworthy endeavor to coordinate on maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean region.

With every passing month that the Tatmadaw wages war against its own population, its legitimacy – and manpower – are ebbing ever further away.

Leni Robredo’s upstart presidential campaign gained ground in April, but remained far behind frontrunner Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The war in Ukraine is only one of the obstacles facing President Joko Widodo’s administration.

Despite the city-state’s retention of Section 377A, which prohibits sexual relations between consenting men, LGBTQ+ activists see stirrings of progress.

Building on the recent successes of fresh negotiations will depend on both sides overcoming decades-old difficulties.

Whatever Atambayev’s sins, in 2022 he’s trapped in a vortex of Kyrgyz political hypocrisy.

Kazakhstan, the world’s leading uranium producer, stands to benefit from a possible European transition from Russian gas to domestic nuclear power.

The trial made an unexpected turn when an expert said Chorshanbe Chorshanbiev’s comments did not actually contain a call to violence.

Uzbekistan’s position in the middle of Central Asia is a source of strength but also vulnerability.

While Kazakhstan has the potential to be an influential player in the global grain economy, it needs to first overcome domestic and logistic challenges.

Australia could be at the forefront of hydrogen power technology and production.

The deal was likely China’s response to AUKUS. Now Australia and the U.S. will consider how to respond, possibly intensifying the security competition in the Pacific.

It is not just the Pacific region angered by Prime Minister Morrison’s unchanged coal-loving stance. Now he will have to answer to the Australian electorate on this critical issue.

A group of fellows at the University of Melbourne’s Australia India Institute recently resigned, alleging restrictions on their academic freedom.

The Biden administration’s Indo-Pacific Economic Framework lacks vision – and not only on trade issues.

Hanoi enjoys considerable leverage as a frontline state in Washington’s strategic competition with Beijing.

Since its unveiling under the Obama administration, the U.S. “pivot” to Asia has constantly been derailed by emergencies elsewhere. The Ukraine war is just the latest example.

Russia’s failures in Ukraine demonstrate that the ability to project power successfully is not simply a matter of pure military expenditure; coercion requires a more balanced set of national assets.

Terrorism in the region has plummeted amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Will reopened borders lead to a resurgence in terrorist networks?

China is watching Russia’s military mistakes in Ukraine and will apply those lessons to its battle planning for a conflict in the Taiwan Strait.

Manila’s acquisition of a submarine fleet should be guided by nothing less than the need to deter or win future wars.

Ukraine was fast becoming a popular destination for Indian movie producers.

Student societies have long played an important role in Hong Kong activism. Now they are dying out amid the wider crackdown on dissent.

With few exceptions, South Korea’s K-pop idols have been conspicuously silent on controversial subjects – including the Russian invasion of Ukraine.