Security & Defense
The PLA, the US Indo-Pacific Command, the Quad, AUKUS and the emerging security architecture of the region.
Kremlin Faces Growing Calls to Intensify Ukraine Offensive as War Fatigue Mounts
Russian President Vladimir Putin faces mounting pressure from nationalist factions and military leaders to escalate the conflict in Ukraine.
Gulf States' Fragile Alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz Under War Stress
The Strait of Hormuz remains largely shut, with vessel traffic at a fraction of pre-war levels. Bypass pipelines provide 3.5-5.5 million bar
Japan-Australia Frigate Deal Cements New Defense Axis in Indo-Pacific
Japan and Australia signed the 'Mogami Memorandum' on April 18, 2026, for 11 next-generation frigates worth up to A$20 billion. The deal sig
Iran Conflict Exposes Diminishing Returns of US Economic Coercion
Two months into the US-Israel war against Iran, the conflict's stalemate highlights the declining effectiveness of US economic sanctions. Ir
US Wars Since 1950 Killed 4.5 Million Civilians, Cost $5.7 Trillion
Major US wars since 1950 have directly killed nearly 4.5 million civilians and cost over $5.7 trillion. The Iran War alone has cost an estim
US Weapons Depletion Drives Fragile Iran Ceasefire, Raising Questions for Asia
The US-Iran ceasefire announced April 7, 2026, came as the US military depleted critical missile stockpiles. Over 850 Tomahawk missiles and
Turkey Emerges as Iran War's Strategic Winner Without Firing a Shot
Turkey's calculated neutrality in the Iran war has elevated its regional standing. Ankara now mediates between Tehran and Washington, gains
Iran Conflict Strains Global Tungsten Supply, Exposing China's Dominance
The US-Israel conflict with Iran has driven a 12% increase in military tungsten use this year. China produces 80% of global tungsten and has
Trump's Golden Dome Missile Shield: A False Promise Against Modern Threats
US homeland missile defenses are structurally inadequate against modern threats. The Trump administration's Golden Dome project faces severe
Strait of Malacca Emerges as Potential Flashpoint in Great-Power Rivalry
The Strait of Malacca, a vital chokepoint for global trade, is becoming a focal point of great-power competition. A new US-Indonesia defense
Bangladesh's Persistent Denial of Militancy Threat Undermines Security
A December explosion at a Dhaka madrasa revealed bomb-making materials, yet some dismissed it as staged. Police warnings of militant plots f
King Charles Addresses Congress as Special Relationship Unravels
King Charles III becomes the second British monarch to address a joint meeting of Congress. The visit underscores a transactional US-UK rela