By Kenji Watanabe
Covers the politics of the Indo-Pacific, from Washington DC back to Tokyo, Seoul and Taipei.
Hasina's Planned Return From India Threatens Bangladesh's Sovereignty
Sheikh Hasina, convicted in absentia for crimes during her rule, announced a December return to Bangladesh from India. Dhaka's extradition r
Why Europe Needs Pakistan Now More Than Ever
Europe's strategic reassessment amid the Ukraine war and Middle East instability elevates Pakistan's role. The EU-Pakistan relationship is m
Nonproliferation Experts Urge Congress to Reject Trump's Saudi Nuclear Deal
Nonproliferation specialists are calling on Congress to block a reported Trump administration deal that would allow Saudi Arabia to enrich u
Iran's Strait of Hormuz Dilemma: Trust Builds Wealth, Coercion Erodes It
Iran's repeated threats to close the Strait of Hormuz undermine its own economic potential. By contrast, Egypt and Panama have prospered by
Hezbollah Faces a Reckoning as Support Wanes in Lebanon
Hezbollah's support in Lebanon is eroding due to costly wars and perceived subservience to Iran. The group faces pressure to disarm or rebra
US Navy's Zumwalt Hypersonic Upgrade Faces Delays as China and Russia Advance
The US Navy's effort to arm its three Zumwalt-class destroyers with hypersonic missiles is 24 months behind schedule, according to a GAO rep
South Korea's Defense Buildup: Alliance Partner or Autonomous Power?
South Korea's defense buildup is framed as 'alliance modernization' by Washington but as 'autonomous defense' in Seoul. The dual narrative m
China's Mega Oiler Challenges US Pacific Base Strategy
China is constructing what may be the world's largest naval replenishment ship, a vessel that could extend the reach of its carrier strike g
Australia-India Ties: Security Deepens as Trade Deal Stalls
The third India-Australia Annual Summit in Melbourne delivered 18 outcomes, including a uranium export deal and a renewed defense declaratio
UK-Pakistan Deportation Dispute Tests Sovereignty and Migration Policy
The UK's push to deport Shabir Ahmed to Pakistan has become a diplomatic flashpoint. Pakistan insists on legal procedures, while Britain fac
Hormuz Standoff: Why Neither Side Can Win the Strait War
The Strait of Hormuz has become an active war front, with US strikes degrading Iranian defenses but failing to secure safe passage. Iran's a
Bangladesh's Hasina Death Sentence: When Courts Become Political Instruments
Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for the 2024 uprising killings. Legal expe