By Kenji Watanabe
Covers the politics of the Indo-Pacific, from Washington DC back to Tokyo, Seoul and Taipei.
Saudi Public Opinion Divided on Military Action Against Iran
A rare survey of Saudi nationals shows 49% support strikes on Iranian missile sites, while 51% oppose. Three-quarters favor a stronger US re
Could Russia's War in Ukraine Trigger Political Change in Moscow?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has argued that Russia is losing the initiative daily. Historical precedent shows that Russian politi
Iran May Prolong Crisis to Humiliate US, Echoing 1979 Hostage Strategy
Iran's Islamic regime is using a strategy of delay and defiance, similar to the 1979 hostage crisis, to outlast US President Donald Trump an
Netanyahu's 'Hexagon' Alliance Doctrine Risks Hardening Regional Divides
Netanyahu unveiled a 'hexagon of alliances' linking Israel, India, and Greece against radical axes. The doctrine risks polarizing the region
Iran's Missile Barrage on Israel: A Bid to Redraw Regional Rules
Iran launched missiles at Israel on June 7, its first such attack in two months, following an Israeli strike on a Hezbollah target in Beirut
China's HQ-16F Deployment Signals Shift in Taiwan Conflict Planning
China has deployed the HQ-16F surface-to-air missile system to units opposite Taiwan, signaling a shift in defense planning. The system is d
Hegseth's D-Day Speech Sparks Fury Over Migrant Rhetoric in Europe
Pete Hegseth turned a D-Day anniversary speech into a broadside against migrants, calling arrivals on European beaches an 'invasion.' Critic
Ukraine's EU Path: Security Innovation Meets Political Resistance
Ukraine's audacious drone attack on a St. Petersburg oil terminal underscores its emergence as Europe's defense innovation leader. Yet EU ac
The Autopsy of American Empire: Lessons from Britain's Decline
The US war with Iran reveals the limits of American military might, echoing Britain's imperial decline 80 years ago. Economic shifts, includ
US-Europe Rift Over Belarus Policy Hands Putin a Strategic Opening
The US has eased sanctions on Belarus in exchange for political prisoner releases, while the EU maintains a tougher stance. This mismatch al
Russia and Ukraine Escalate Air War: Drone and Missile Strikes Intensify
Russia has launched its largest drone and missile attacks on Ukraine since late 2025, but Ukraine is retaliating with effective strikes on M
Russia's Afghan Engagement Risks Repeating Old Strategic Mistakes
Russia is deepening military and economic cooperation with the Taliban, aiming to fill a geopolitical vacuum and secure trade corridors. How