Politics & Diplomacy
Summits, elections, alliances and the diplomacy of the Indo-Pacific as the region redefines itself.
Qatar's Strategic Ambiguity: A Feature, Not a Bug, of US Policy
The US debate over whether Qatar is friend or foe obscures a more useful question: what is the bargain, and is it worth the cost? Qatar host
South Asia's Delicate Balance Hinges on Trump-Xi Summit Outcome
South Asia's nearly two billion people face a precarious choice as Trump and Xi meet. A US-China escalation threatens energy and trade, whil
Trump-Xi Summit Reflects US Strategic Drift, Not China's Ambition
The Trump-Xi summit in Beijing highlights US strategic drift in the Indo-Pacific, not China's rising ambition. Regional allies face transact
Networks, Not Nations, Define Power in the Post-Pax Era
The era of single dominant empires is ending. Power now flows through digital networks, data, and connectivity rather than territory. Israel
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
Ursula von der Leyen: Europe's Self-Made Strategic Liability
Ursula von der Leyen's presidency has been marked by grand announcements followed by rapid retreats, from nuclear energy to foreign policy.
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
Russia's May 9 Victory Parade Could Serve as Stage for Ukraine Ceasefire
A 90-minute phone call between President Trump and President Putin on April 29 has sparked speculation that Russia's Victory Day parade on M
Taiwan's KMT Chairwoman Cheng Faces Skeptical US Audience After Beijing Talks
KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun plans a June US visit to explain her cross-Strait approach, but faces skepticism over her pro-Beijing views and
Orbán's Exit Closes China's Backdoor Into the EU
Hungary under Viktor Orbán served as China's primary veto player within the EU, blocking statements on Hong Kong and trade measures on elect
Trump's Erratic Foreign Policy Masks a Calculated Push for Bipolar Order
Trump's seemingly erratic foreign policy, including insults and tariffs, is part of a calculated strategy to create a bipolar world with the
Exiled Russians Build Transnational Resistance Network Against Kremlin
Exiled Russian activists have built transnational networks to support political prisoners, run independent media, and help people escape mob