Security & Defense
The PLA, the US Indo-Pacific Command, the Quad, AUKUS and the emerging security architecture of the region.
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
Orbán's Defeat Unlocks EU Loan, Shifting Momentum to Ukraine
Hungary's Viktor Orbán lost re-election on April 12, allowing a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine to proceed. The funding supports Ukraine's e
Indonesia-US Overflight Debate Misses the Real Strategic Shift
Indonesia's debate on US overflight rights focuses on sovereignty but misses the real strategic dynamic. Modern military access is achieved
NPT Review Conference Faces Existential Crisis as Nuclear Arms Race Accelerates
The NPT review conference opens in New York amid a worsening nuclear arms race. Russia's weaponization of nuclear facilities in Ukraine and
Trump's Iran Campaign Echoes Historical Imperial Overreach
Historical patterns show that declining empires often launch bold but ill-fated military strikes. Trump's Iran campaign risks accelerating U
Iranian FM Leaves Islamabad as Trump Cancels Envoys' Trip, Casting Doubt on Diplomacy
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi left Islamabad after conveying Tehran's position on ending the US war. President Trump canceled a pl