Asia Pacific
The geopolitical implications of North Korean mineral reserves
The recent discovery of rare earth mineral reserves in North Korea has the potential to redefine the country’s long-term prospects and radically alter geopolitics within the region. Thinking about the North
Indonesia seeks to tackle economic reforms
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has sought to fulfill campaign promises to develop the Indonesian economy and tackle the deficit. To this end, Widodo has bolstered domestic industries with subsidies and
Japan extends sanctions against North Korea
Following international allegations of cyber-hacking and continued nuclear testing, Japan is the next nation to extend sanctions against North Korea. However, there is still hope that North Korea might be
Vietnam tree cutting debacle highlights opaque politics
A government program that planned to cut more than 6,700 trees in a bid to ‘beautify’ Hanoi, Vietnam, has been abruptly halted due to significant public backlash. While analysts have heralded this
Obama’s Pivot to Asia fails to impress China
The Pivot to Asia, America’s new grand strategy announced in 2011, rebalanced America’s focus towards the Asia-Pacific region. Less than four years later, the launch of the Asian Infrastructure Investment
Lee Kuan Yew’s passing offers Singapore unexpected lessons
The passing of longtime ruler and modernizer Lee Kuan Yew (LKY) in Singapore has raised questions about the future of the prosperous micro-nation. While some worry about the country’s prospects
Vietnam’s investment reforms fall flat
Vietnam has amended several laws and issued decrees to encourage investment in the country. However, these measures may create more problems than they resolve. During the past year, Vietnam has amended
Caught between the US and China, South Korea joins the AIIB
According to a recent report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asia will need to invest about $8 trillion in overall national infrastructure between 2010 and 2020. South Korea’s involvement
The Opportunities of China’s “One Belt One Road”
China is stepping up efforts to establish two transcontinental New Silk Roads that connect Asia, Europe, and Africa in trade, development, and culture. While promising economic gains, this new framework
Is Japans structural reform blocked by vested interests?
Abe’s recent re-election will bring continued commitment to reform and economic restructuring. However, domestic interest groups and economic stagnation continues to pose serious challenges. Japan is the world’s third largest
