Asia
Abe's troubles at home cause for concern abroad
This month Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) - which is led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe - experienced its first major electoral defeat since Abe’s inauguration in December…
Time for Five Eyes to coordinate on Chinese tech investment
The recent exposure of Chinese influence-peddling inside the Australian political system is just one example of China’s growing influence and willingness to act in Western states…
Timor-Leste elections a significant milestone
For a nation that only won its hard-fought battle for independence 15 years ago, Timor Leste has travelled a long way fast.
On 22 July, the Timorese people voted for the fourth…
Economic diplomacy brief: Intelligence Review, econocrats back RCEP, in thrall to China and more
Spooky business
The 1980s Hope inquiry first put economics on the agenda of Australian intelligence analysis but the latest Intelligence Review has taken this connection much…
For sale, cheap: Armed drones
Once the domain of only a handful of states, weaponised drones are now part of the military arsenal of no less than a dozen countries. That number is set to expand after China…
Talisman Sabre 17: The realisation of defence strategy
It was an Australian Defence Force (ADF) public relation officer’s dream. ABC news footage, delivered directly into the living rooms of Australian families, showed Australian…
Empathising with China
The recent presence of a PLA-N auxiliary general intelligence vessel off Queensland has generated some interesting discussions. Euan Graham and James Goldrick are right that the…
Thailand: The case for optimism
My ANU colleague Nicholas Farrelly's recent Lowy Institute Analysis 'Thailand's Triple Threat' is a sombre look at Thailand's future. He canvasses bleak scenarios, including the…
Let’s be clear: China would call America’s bluff in the South China Sea
It seems to be widely agreed that Washington’s current policy of well-worn talking points and low-key FONOPS in the South China Sea [SCS] isn’t working. Ely Ratner and I have been…
Doklam: Paths ahead for India and China
As the India-China standoff at the Doklam tri-junction area enters its second month, it is clear this is the most serious crisis between the two countries in 30 years. There are…