Asia Pacific
U.S. allies in the South China Sea
Can the U.S. count on its allies in the South China Sea to combat China’s increasing presence in the region? With its artificial island-building, China has transformed the entire South
Interest rates dip below zero for first time in Japan
The concept of negative rates that originated in Europe has now spread east. Just as customers of commercial banks earn interest on funds deposited with these banks, commercial banks normally
Three goals the Thai junta hopes to achieve before it exits
The Thai junta government is prolonging its stay. The new draft constitution empowers the military at the expense of weakening the executive branch and political parties. In the main time,
Bright spots remain despite Japan’s economic troubles
Global economic volatility is hampering Japan’s efforts to address structural weaknesses, resulting in a dual assault on Tokyo’s attempts to boost economic growth. Yet despite these trends, it is not
Myanmar’s first freely elected parliament gets under way
Myanmar’s first freely elected parliament held its opening session on Monday. This significant step on Myanmar’s road to democracy will send a positive sign to investors looking for stable business
Forecasting China’s nuclear industry growth in 2016
Despite appearing poised to miss key nuclear industry goals throughout the majority of 2015, a late-December push from Beijing towards significant expansion suggests that China’s nuclear industry is positioned for notable
Catching the Dragon: Challenges and prospects for U.S.-China relations
How will the erosion of American power and China’s strategic interests shape the rules and institutions of a new international system? While China’s hegemonic power has reached its zenith in
Two lessons on Asia the U.S. must heed
In determining its rebalance strategy in Asia, the US must learn from Russia’s failure and Australia’s success. Echoing George F. Kennan’s “Long Telegram” with respect to strategic foreign policy, the
Peace postponed in the Philippines
The peace process in the Philippines has undergone a significant setback with the failure of Congress to approve a major bill strengthening the autonomy of the Bangsamoro region in Mindanao.
The decline of “One Country, Two Systems” in Hong Kong
January has seen a series of student protests throughout Hong Kong, driven by concerns over Beijing’s growing influence in Hong Kong’s domestic affairs. These political developments create several risks for
