By Kenji Watanabe
Covers the politics of the Indo-Pacific, from Washington DC back to Tokyo, Seoul and Taipei.
Drones and Ancient Revolutions: Lessons from the Chariot and Composite Bow
The drone revolution in modern warfare echoes ancient military innovations like the chariot and composite bow. These historical parallels of
Khalilur Rahman: The Architect of Bangladesh's Strategic Ambiguity
Khalilur Rahman has become Bangladesh's most durable diplomat, surviving transitions from interim to elected government. His ability to bala
US-Japan Missile Drills Turn Philippines Into Forward Base in Pacific Rivalry
US and Japanese forces fired live missiles from Philippine soil for the first time during Balikatan exercises. The drills underscore Manila'
Iran's Millennia of Resistance: A Civilization Unbowed by Foreign Threats
Iran has never been colonized, despite invasions from Greeks, Arabs, Mongols, and Western powers. This deep-rooted resilience shapes its res
Rubio's 'Economic Nuke' Warning Exposes Flaw in US Hormuz Strategy
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio correctly identified Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz as an 'economic nuclear weapon.' However, the
Trump's Leaky Hormuz Blockade Needs Malacca Control to Work
Two Iranian VLCCs carrying 3.8 million barrels of crude successfully navigated the US Navy's Hormuz blockade through Indonesia's Lombok Stra
Iran's Undersea Cable Threat: The Internet's Strait of Hormuz Problem
Iran-linked outlets published detailed maps of undersea cable routes in the Persian Gulf on April 22, 2026. Analysts warn this mirrors Houth
Trump Administration Denies Iranian Claims of Missile Strike on US Warship in Strait of Hormuz
Iranian state media claimed two missiles struck a US Navy frigate entering the Strait of Hormuz without permission. US Central Command denie
UAE-Israel Ties: Useful but No Middle East Reset
The UAE-Israel partnership has yielded economic and defense gains, but it remains a tactical alignment, not a strategic transformation. Emir
US and China Diverge on Military Vaccination: Two Armies, Two Theories of the Body
The US Defense Department has made flu shots voluntary for service members, breaking a 1945-era mandate. China's PLA continues routine mass
Iran War Reopens Old Gulf Rifts and Spurs New Rivalries Among Arab States
The UAE's decision to leave OPEC signals more than oil policy frustration. The Iran war has widened rifts between Gulf states, reviving terr
The Donroe Doctrine Is Becoming Everything China Feared
Washington's campaign to evict Chinese port operators from Panama and secure lithium access in Bolivia signals a new, aggressive maritime st