Drawing on her decades of experience in Cambodia’s pro-democracy movement, we discussed the country’s democratic decline, the growing influence of China, and the crucial role the international community — and Cambodia’s youth — must play in shaping a freer future.
Read MoreThis month, Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy and Richard Heydarian are joined by Stephen Nagy to unpack the significance of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Southeast Asia. Together, they explore what this heightened diplomatic outreach reveals about Beijing’s evolving regional strategy—and what it means for the Indo-Pacific at large, including Europe’s strategic positioning.
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Read MoreWritten by Dr Justyna Szczudlik
Sympathising with the idea of hybrid peace is a dangerous trap for the West. The only way to undermine Sino-Russian alignment, deter China from aggressive moves, and defend the rules-based order is to do everything possible to help Ukraine win the war.
Read MoreWritten by Anny Boc
Beijing’s passive approach only reflects its dilemma of balancing its regional interests with its need to preserve strategic ties with both Russia and North Korea, especially as the competition between China and the United States is likely to intensify.
Read More9DASHLINE recently had the pleasure of speaking with Dr T.V. Paul about his latest book: The Unfinished Quest: India’s Search for Major Power Status from Nehru to Modi.
This book explores India's successes and constraints since its independence in 1947, analysing the motivations of its leaders and the benchmarks for global status.
Read MoreWritten by Sarah Godek
By increasing relations at a slower pace, China’s government makes a safer long-term bet on Afghanistan that forgoes short-run gains to ensure greater security that could protect longer-term benefits in the future.
Read MoreChhay Lim and Kimpor Try
While there is leeway for Cambodia to hedge and pursue an independent foreign policy, the new government under Hun Manet has no choice but to continue diversifying strategic and economic partners.
Read MoreWritten by Dr Narayani Sritharan and Peter Rizkillah
Sinophobia in Indonesia is not merely a by-product of the BRI but a consequence of economic ambition intersecting with security concerns in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
Read MoreWritten by Dr Denis Suarsana
Countries like Japan, South Korea, and Australia are becoming increasingly important. The EU is markedly punching below its weight in Southeast Asia and needs to fight hard to stay relevant at all.
Read MoreWritten by Kelly Antoinette Khyriem
As criticisms propel the initiative towards a BRI 2.0, if China actively addresses and mitigates risks associated with its projects by enhancing transparency and accountability frameworks, it has the potential to outpace the emerging alternatives that are challenging the BRI.
Read MoreWritten by Manoj Kewalramani and Rakshith Shetty
The enforcement of these regulations is expected to further fortify Xi’s leadership and consolidate ideological conformity within the Party.
Read MoreWritten by Rorry Daniels
While breakthroughs remain unlikely, the test in 2024 is whether the US and China can manage differences quietly and directly while under the political magnifying glass.
Read MoreWritten by Dr Tamás Matura
Playing a balancing act between the East and the West, Orbán hopes to boost his international political clout and the economic development of Hungary by cosying up to other illiberal world leaders such as China’s Xi Jinping.
Read MoreWritten by Marta Ferdebar
The contrasting perspectives showcased by the EU and China's official government sites and media concerning the summit highlight the impact of unique government priorities and underscore the need for sustained diplomatic efforts to build mutual understanding.
Read MoreChina and Australia appear to have patched things up, and more conciliatory tones are even heard about relations with the United States following Xi’s visit in November. In this In Forum, 9DASHLINE asks a number of experts to weigh in on whether we can expect improving ties to continue through 2024.
Read MoreWritten by Dr Francesca Ghiretti
Holding the first in-person summit since 2019 is an important achievement, and the EU has been able to express some important concerns to Xi Jinping directly; however, the words — especially from China — demonstrate Beijing still views the EU mostly as an economic partner.
Read MoreWritten by Anand P. Krishnan
Clearly, unemployment captures the anxieties and disillusionment of youth on both sides of the Himalayan Gap. By the same count, there are no easy solutions for either government to manage, if not completely resolve, this crisis.
Read MoreWritten by Hunter Marston
Japan has emerged as a critical partner of choice for Southeast Asian countries, particularly in its efforts to build maritime and coast guard capacity for frontline states in the South China Sea, including the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
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