South and Central Asia
Opinion: Should India reach out directly to the Pakistan army?
A number of important steps have been taken by India and Pakistan in the past few months. Both sides have agreed to humanitarian gestures and there is talk of enhancing trade. Trividesh Singh asks: is direct outreach a good strategy in this context?
Infrastructure setbacks in Indonesia reflect broader risks
President Jokowi’s desire to secure his infrastructure vision before next year’s election holds risks for Indonesia as well as his own candidateship.
China’s strengthening relationship with Pakistan
Beijing’s recent decision to increase diplomatic, economic and strategic ties with Pakistan is part of a broader strategy to bolster China’s regional influence at Washington’s expense. China’s relations with Pakistan
Media crackdown a bad sign for Myanmar
Continued targeting of journalists will compromise the government’s political legitimacy and create greater reputational risks for foreign investors.
China’s growing presence ratchets tensions in Sri Lanka
Holding a key position along strategic maritime routes, Sri Lanka has drawn a high level of economic investment. China and India, long-time competitors for influence in the Indian Ocean, have brought their geopolitical competition to the ports of Sri Lanka – and raised social unrest risks locally in the process.
Will Trump’s Asia tour fix America’s Southeast Asia problem?
Trump’s Asia tour is a chance to present a more concrete US strategy, to reassure allies, and to shape the region’s geopolitics in America’s favor.
Kyrgyz elections stoke regional tensions
The Kyrgyz presidential elections are a positive sign for democracy, but a recent quarrel between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan threatens integration efforts.
Special Report: Grasberg mine talks signal Indonesia’s strengthening resolve
Despite issues concerning the Indonesian government’s divestment plans for Papua’s Grasberg mine, there are growing signs that Indonesia will get its way.
Trump’s new Afghanistan strategy faces first test
With recent bloody attacks showing the Taliban seemingly stronger than ever in Afghanistan, will Trump succeed where Obama failed?
The Week Ahead
Japan prepares for snap election amid heightened tensions with North Korea. Catalan parliament declares independence. Major exporters balk at Brexit WTO arrangements. International Contact Group discusses Afghan peace process in Russia. All
