Security & Defense
The PLA, the US Indo-Pacific Command, the Quad, AUKUS and the emerging security architecture of the region.
Trump's Iran War: Three Strategic Goals, Three Failures, One Debacle
Trump's 2025-2026 war on Iran sought regime change, containment, and nuclear disarmament. Instead, the regime hardened, Iran blocked the Str
Analysis: US-Iran-Israel Conflict Likely to Settle into a Protracted Stalemate
A tenuous halt in major fighting between the US, Israel, and Iran is expected to solidify into a frozen conflict, not a lasting peace. The a
US Navy's Next-Gen Fighter Competition Tests Carrier Aviation's Future Against China
The US Navy will select a builder for its next-generation F/A-XX carrier-based fighter in August. The program is central to maintaining the
US and China Compete to Build Fusion Energy Supply Chains, Forcing European Choice
The strategic rivalry between the United States and China has expanded into the race for fusion energy, a potential source of limitless clea
Iran's Revolutionary Guards Consolidate Power, Directing Policy from the Shadows
A public reversal by Iran's foreign negotiator reveals the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps now sets the agenda. With the civilian governm
US Counterterrorism Strategy in Flux Amid Rising Threats and Asian Security Concerns
A series of domestic attacks in March has highlighted US counterterrorism vulnerabilities. White House adviser Sebastian Gorka has repeatedl
Iran Conflict Prompts Indo-Pacific Nations to Reassess Nuclear Energy and Security Postures
The military campaign against Iran's nuclear facilities offers strategic lessons for Indo-Pacific nations on deterrence and proliferation. T
China Deepens Military Ties with Somalia, Targeting Taiwan and Somaliland
China has promised expanded military support to Somalia, including equipment and training against al-Shabaab. The move is driven by Beijing'
China's Drone-Launched Mines Could Encircle Taiwan and Entangle US Forces
China's military is developing a strategy to deploy autonomous underwater drones for offensive minelaying in key regional sea lanes. The pla
China's Role Emerges as Key to Reviving Iran Nuclear Deal and Ending Conflict
The potential revival of the Iran nuclear deal now appears contingent on Chinese diplomatic involvement. An updated agreement would need to
Iran Weighs Return to Islamabad Peace Talks Amid US Threats and Regional Economic Fallout
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says Tehran may rejoin peace talks with the US in Islamabad, despite accusing Washington of 'unconstruct
Super Typhoon Sinlaku Tests US Commitment in the Northern Marianas
Super Typhoon Sinlaku has caused widespread destruction in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, testing US disaster response. T