By Kenji Watanabe
Covers the politics of the Indo-Pacific, from Washington DC back to Tokyo, Seoul and Taipei.
Ukraine's Drone Campaign Turns Sea of Azov Into a Strategic Battleground
Ukraine has escalated drone strikes on Russian-controlled vessels in the Sea of Azov, targeting oil tankers, tugs, and cargo ships. The camp
How Washington's Strategic Muddle Turned the Iran War Into a Quagmire
The US-Iran ceasefire, built on wishful thinking, has broken down as renewed airstrikes hit Bahrain and Kuwait. The weak framework deferred
Assassinating Iran's Supreme Leader Backfires as Hardliners Tighten Grip
The killing of Iran's supreme leader and his family was meant to trigger a popular revolt. Instead, it galvanized a hardline succession, ren
Why Western Sanctions on Russia Keep Backfiring: A Misreading of Society
Western sanctions and isolation have failed to shift Russia's war stance because they misread the popular foundation of Putin's government.
Canada's German Submarine Deal Reflects NATO Priorities Over Pacific Ties
Canada chose Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems for 12 new submarines, favoring NATO alignment over South Korea's combat-proven KSS-III.
China's Fujian Carrier Deploys Anti-Torpedo System to Counter US Submarine Threat
China's newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, is likely equipped with an active anti-torpedo torpedo system, a first for any carrier. The mov
Operation Hard Ball: US Indicts Indian Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in Sikh Activist Killing
US prosecutors unsealed indictments against 37 defendants linked to India-based criminal networks, including Lawrence Bishnoi, for the 2023
Ukraine's Drone Campaign Turns Russia's Oil Wealth Into a Strategic Liability
Ukraine's long-range drone strikes have hit all ten of Russia's largest oil refineries, crippling fuel production and causing shortages. The
Australia-Fiji Defense Pact Reshapes Pacific Security Dynamics Against China
Australia and Fiji have signed a defense pact that formalizes a mutual security commitment, marking a strategic shift in Pacific geopolitics
Australia-Fiji Defense Pact Sends Signal to China Amid Pacific Missile Test
Australia and Fiji signed the Veitacini Treaty, a mutual defense pact that analysts say likely triggered China's long-range missile test in
Bangladesh's Climate Diplomacy Takes Center Stage Under Tarique Rahman
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chose the World Economic Forum in Dalian for his first major international address, focusing on cli
Russia Fears Return of 'Wild 90s' as Ukraine War Veterans and Ex-Convicts Come Home
Russia's war in Ukraine is raising fears of a resurgence in organized crime as hundreds of thousands of soldiers and pardoned convicts retur