Asia and Pacific

Comparing China and the Kaiser's Germany (part 1): Similarities
This two-part series examines the frequent comparison between contemporary China and pre-1914 Wilhelmine Germany. A host of commentators have made this comparison in the past few…
With New Defense White Paper, Australia Rebalances
Commentary
With New Defense White Paper, Australia Rebalances
With New Defense White Paper, Australia RebalancesDr Michael FulliloveWorld Politics Review10 May 2013Michael Fullilove
Where do Australia rivals stand on foreign policy?
Commentary
Where do Australia rivals stand on foreign policy?
Viewpoint: Where do Australia rivals stand on foreign policy?  Dr Michael Fullilove, BBC News Asia, 28 August 2013.  Australia's election winner will…
In the South Pacific, it's a question of (no) confidence
After much speculation, many sleepless nights and seemingly endless rumour mongering, the leader of the opposition in Vanuatu , Ham Lini, last week withdrew a motion of no…
US defence budget: Hagel cuts won't be the last
Those of you who read Mike Green's post this morning and who have followed the coverage of US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's budget bid will understand that this is not the last…
China links: North Korea, Afghanistan, public opinion, the pivot, Super Mario and more
Beijing is 'exploring whether to change tactics' in its relationship with North Korea.    Social security and corruption are the biggest concerns in China, according to the three…
Burma: A critical look at those chemical weapons claims
Burma: A critical look at those chemical weapons claims
Since the 1988 pro-democracy uprising, strategic analysts monitoring developments in Burma (Myanmar) have been on quite a roller-coaster ride, particularly with regard to weapons…
South Korea: One year in, assessing Park Geun-Hye's presidency
On 25 February 2013, Park Geun-Hye was inaugurated as president of the Republic of Korea. She is the RoK's first female president and its sixth democratically elected head of…
Why Asian economies are not about to repeat the 1997-98 financial crisis
The business press is full of dire predictions about sudden capital outflows from emerging economies, with a growing list of 'fragile' countries. Few commentators can resist…
Interview: Danny Russel on the status of the US rebalance
Daniel (Danny) Russel is US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, which means he is the State Department's senior Asia diplomat (he succeeded Kurt…