Security & Defense
The PLA, the US Indo-Pacific Command, the Quad, AUKUS and the emerging security architecture of the region.
Realist Reading: Israel-Turkey Rift Driven by Strategy, Not Values
Israel's recognition of the Armenian genocide is a strategic move against Turkey, not a moral epiphany. The deeper drivers are competition i
Japan's Gray-Zone Resilience Depends on Civilian Industry Networks
Japan's gray-zone resilience hinges on civilian industries, from submarine cables to rare-earth magnet recycling. Tokyo must map defense-adj
India's Nuclear Buildup Sharpens Deterrence as Pakistan and China Probe Below the Threshold
India's nuclear arsenal has grown to an estimated 190 warheads, driven by rivalries with Pakistan and China. But both rivals are testing the
After Three Decades, the International Push to Denuclearize North Korea Has Failed. What Comes Next?
After more than 30 years, the mission to end North Korea's nuclear program has failed. Experts give denuclearization just a 3% probability b
Spoilers Threaten US-Iran Peace Process as Swiss Talks Yield Roadmap
US-Iran peace talks in Switzerland yielded a 60-day roadmap and crisis mechanisms despite spoilers. Israeli-Hezbollah fighting and Trump's t
NATO's Core Mission: Guarding Against Russia, Not Appeasing Trump
NATO's central mission is deterring Russia, not appeasing the United States under Donald Trump. European members have leverage through US ba
Iran's Strait of Hormuz Toll Plan Faces Legal and Practical Hurdles
Iran's plan to impose permanent tolls on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz is legally untenable under international law and practically
Rome and Persia's Ancient Peace Lessons for the US-Iran Deal
Ancient Rome and Persia fought for centuries, with peace deals often failing to resolve disputes. The US-Iran negotiations face similar risk
US Navy's Repair Weakness Risks Losing Pacific War to China
A RAND wargame shows the US Navy cannot repair battle-damaged destroyers in the Indo-Pacific. Shortages of technicians, spare parts, and all
Trump's Iran Reversal: A Betrayal of Democratic Allies in Asia and Beyond
President Trump has reversed course on Iran, aligning with the IRGC and abandoning democratic allies. This move, reportedly driven by intell
To Replicate Ukraine's Drone Success, Asia Must First Change Its Military Culture
Ukraine's domestic drone industry has become one of the world's most advanced, disrupting Russian operations and energy infrastructure. Asia
US-Iran Ceasefire: The Real Danger Is What the Deal Leaves Out
The US-Iran ceasefire agreement ends immediate hostilities but leaves critical issues unresolved. Nuclear proliferation, Hezbollah's status,