Asia Pacific
Potential end of a Philippines-US Security Treaty
The US-Philippine alliance is on the rocks, which has major implications for the Asia-Pacific: it marks a notable decrease in US influence in the region, creating a power void that will be filled by China, and further fragmenting a region that is already facing a growing arms race.
Australia-Japan alliance: A blueprint for something bigger?
Is the strengthening of bonds between Japan and Australia merely an attempt to balance China, or is it a sign of a more promising future?
Nuclear energy challenges in Japan
Japan has adopted a peaceful approach towards nuclear technology, limiting it to the use of supplying electricity. This is now creating challenges.
The Philippines’ shifting stance towards the South China Sea dispute
Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte has been known for its conciliatory approach towards China in relation to the South China Sea dispute, preferring to engage with Beijing as close trade and investment partner rather than a threat to its sovereignty. However, recent Chinese activities in the Spratly Islands are putting this stance into question.
Fake news in Asian politics
Asian politics has been riddled with dissemination of rumours and fake news harboured by social media over the past decade.
Lessons from Hanoi with Prof Stephan Haggard
Donald Trump was widely criticised for walking away in Hanoi but the disappointing end of the summit holds prospects for a more realistic approach to denuclearisation. With input from Prof Stephan Haggard, here is some insight into what really happened in Hanoi and what we can expect to happen next.
Beijing’s ‘creeping expansionism’ in the South China Sea
The South China Sea island dispute is an ongoing and complex situation in Southeast Asia’s doorstep. It has the power to disrupt multilateral alliances.
Influence of Facebook on Asia’s election season
Various Asian nations are set to hold critical elections later on this year. And there are serious concerns over the effect Facebook and other social media platforms can have on election campaigns in terms of fake news and bots.
Economic slowdown and China’s green future
China has adopted a high-profile role as a champion for climate action and renewable energy. Yet, as the country faces new economic constraints, its climate endeavour might be in danger.
A change in the East Asian balance of power? The implications of the Trump-Kim Summit
Ever since the end of the Korean War in 1953, the United States and South Korea have formed a liberal democratic alliance, in opposition to the communist North Korea. Although the two allies have encountered ups and downs throughout the decades, recent developments gave hope that a fundamental change to the nature of America’s engagements in the Korean peninsula might occur. However, President Trump’s last two summits with Kim Jong-un have made little progress, and questions concerning how to successfully engage North Korea persist.
