Posts From Taylor Wettach

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Asia Pacific Security

US Decline Series: US shows long-term commitment to Asia-Pacific security

While rising tensions have provoked concern over the United States’ status as the region’s security guarantor, the Pacific Power is not going anywhere. This GRI series challenges the myth of the

Asia Pacific Economics

Abenomics goes ‘all in’ with April tax hike

While March’s wage hike by Japan came as a bright spot amidst growing concern over Abenomics, will April’s 3 percentage point tax hike rain on Abe’s parade? Since sweeping back

Asia Pacific Economics

Tokyo is passing its first TPP test with agricultural reform

The recent break by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party from the traditional partner, the agricultural lobby, and following announcements of a new agricultural policy heighten hope for the Trans-Pacific Partnership and

Asia Pacific Security

China’s air-defense zone ratchets up risk for trade and investment

With the announcement of China’s Air-Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and the following rise in tensions in the East China Sea, economic—and global—catastrophe may be just a shot away. Beijing’s November

Asia Pacific Security

Will South China Sea exacerbate Asia’s slowdown?

With rising regional tensions, speculation is rampant as to whether the situation in the South China Sea will hasten Asia’s economic slowdown. The global community has recently been confronted by

Asia Pacific Economics

Trans-Pacific Partnership Will Boost Abenomics

Today’s global economy is increasingly focused on Asia, and rightfully so. According to the IMF, in 2013 Asia will lead the world in economic growth by expanding 5.7 percent overall

Asia Pacific Economics

Chinese Lessons for Myanmar’s Gold Rush

China’s long-standing relationship with Myanmar offers lessons for newer investors seeking to capitalize on the country’s nascent opening. The United States has shifted its policy toward Myanmar over the past

Asia Pacific Security

U.S. Should Hedge China-Myanmar Relationship

As Myanmar gradually opens to the international community, the United States should remain cautious and hedge due to the role of China in the country. Policy Issue Myanmar, located at

Asia Pacific Security

Asia-Pacific: Headed towards conflict?

Relations within the Asia-Pacific region grew tense during 2012, marked by a number of incidents between China, Japan, and South Korea. The escalation of the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands dispute between China,

Asia Pacific Finance

Risky Business: ‘First mover advantage’ or risk in Myanmar’s gold rush?

In the past year Myanmar has moved to the center of the frontier markets’ map for investors keen on a “first mover advantage”. However, increasingly lost amidst the hype is