Tag: Asia

Asia is the largest continent in the world by both land area and population. It covers an area of more than 44 million square kilometers, about 30% of Earth’s total land area and 8% of Earth’s total surface area. 

Rethinking U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty in a Changing Geopolitical Scenario

[Bahauddin Foizee] Rather than viewing the MDT as an inflexible anchor, it should be seen as a dynamic framework that must evolve alongside the geopolitical realities of the Asia-Pacific.

Thailand’s Growing Defense and Military Ties with China

[Bahauddin Foizee] The growing military cooperation raises questions about Thailand’s long-term strategic intentions and the balance of power in Southeast Asia.

Iranian Regime’s Lost Moral Standing in Syria & Iraq

[Bahauddin Foizee]
Iran's IRGC had carried out the genocide and ethnic cleansing in Syria with the help from Assad’s army and Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. In Iraq, the IRGC had carried out the campaign with the help of sectarian elements in Iraqi army, Iran-backed militias and Hezbollah.

Trump Administration’s Mideast Policy

[John Bruton]
Trump Administration's Middle East policy is increasing the risk of unintended conflict between the US forces and Iranian forces & loyal militias. The policy is also making a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict impossible and a one-state solution more inevitable.

Asian Quad: Synthesis between China’s OBOR and US-led Quad

[Dr. Pankaj Jha]
The idea of an Asian Quad – comprising of Japan, India, Vietnam and Indonesia – would help to narrow the growing mistrust between China and the US, and would create an edifice acceptable to both. Hence, these two major powers need to subscribe to this idea of an Asian Quad.

India’s Lingering Concerns over Chinese Influence in Indian Ocean, South Asia

[Dr. Manoj Kumar Mishra] Mutual suspicions would dictate relations between China and India for a long time to come.

Asia’s Geopolitical Alliances are Shifting

[Conn M. Hallinan] From what direction on the Compass Rose the winds out of Washington will blow is hardly clear, but increasingly a number of countries are charting a course of their own.

War against ISIS: Does the Battlefield Success Alone Count?

[Dr. Manoj Kumar Mishra] While the intervening powers have palpably shown enough resolve in removing despotic regimes like the Taliban in Afghanistan and Saddam of Iraq or in keeping Assad Regime in Syria, they failed to provide any stable alternatives which could bring about normalcy and political and social stability.

Whither Regional Cooperation in South Asia?

[Dr. Manoj Kumar Mishra] Putting sensitive bilateral issues out of the SAARC mandate has not yielded any positive results. Instead, the forum has been held hostage to bilateral disputes [largely between India and Pakistan]. The requirement of consensus has prevented SAARC from making any headway on desirable proposals on regional integration.

Xi Jinping, the Revered

[Felix Imonti] During the National People’s Congress (NPC) in October of 2017, Xi's failure to mention his successor was an implied hint to his intention to remain the chairman of the Communist Party for as long as he chooses; and the NPC has granted him a limitless reign.