Security & Defense
The PLA, the US Indo-Pacific Command, the Quad, AUKUS and the emerging security architecture of the region.
The False Promise of a US-Iran Quick Fix in the Strait of Hormuz
Washington's push for a quick bilateral deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is fraught with risks. It could teach Tehran that chok
Pakistan's Fatah-3 Missile Could Extend Chinese Reach to Gulf
Pakistan unveiled the Fatah-3 supersonic cruise missile, its first operational system of this type, potentially narrowing India's BrahMos ad
Pakistan's Diplomatic Pivot: How Islamabad Became an Indispensable Middle Power
Pakistan is redefining middle-power influence through diplomatic flexibility, mediating between the US and Iran while maintaining ties with
When the World's Greatest Power Can't Win: The Iran Lesson for Asia
The US confrontation with Iran reveals a paradox: military supremacy without political victory. This has reshaped calculations from Beijing
Post-Pax World Requires a Post-Cartesian Mind for Strategic Clarity
Ravi Kant's essay posits that the emerging world order is organized around networks, not territory. This shift demands a new strategic imagi
Ukraine War Strains Putin's Grip as Public Complaints Mount
Russia's inability to secure a quick victory in Ukraine has sparked unusually harsh public criticism of President Vladimir Putin's leadershi
Trump's Iran War Claims Unravel as Reality Sets In
US officials now argue the Iran war ended in America's favor a month ago, but the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Trump's shifting goals an
Iran Uses Petroyuan Tariffs in Strait of Hormuz to Reshape Global Energy Trade
Iran is introducing tariffs in Chinese yuan for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, potentially generating $40-50 billion annually. Thi
Trump-Xi Summit in Beijing to Tackle Iran Oil, Taiwan, and Trade Tensions
The long-awaited Trump-Xi summit in Beijing will address Iranian oil sanctions, Taiwan arms sales, and trade tensions. US officials warn of
Drones and Ancient Revolutions: Lessons from the Chariot and Composite Bow
The drone revolution in modern warfare echoes ancient military innovations like the chariot and composite bow. These historical parallels of
Balikatan 2025: How Joint Drills in the Philippines Forge Hard and Psychological Power
Troops from seven nations train in the northern Philippines, an area critical to any potential Taiwan contingency. The drills also strengthe
US-Japan Missile Drills Turn Philippines Into Forward Base in Pacific Rivalry
US and Japanese forces fired live missiles from Philippine soil for the first time during Balikatan exercises. The drills underscore Manila'