In Conversation: Nicola Nymalm on From ‘Japan Problem’ to ‘China Threat’?

In a nutshell, some commentaries suggested that while Biden would change the tone, he might not change the substance that much. I think this is largely what we have seen so far.

EU energy politics: Between Russian aggression and Chinese ambition

Written By Aleksandra Gadzala Tirziu

Although European leaders are firmly aware of the risks of climate change, and therefore adhere to their self-penned “Green Deal”, they have seemingly awoken to a complex reality. 2022 could be the year for Europe’s energy and climate realism breakthrough.

2022: Where to for climate mitigation?

China and the US can suspend the superpower competition with goodwill and scientific imagination to mobilise a techno-war on carbon that will improve the quality of life not just for American and Chinese citizens but also for the planet.

Shaping China’s ambitions

Written by Michael J. Mazarr

China’s challenge to US power and international norms is very real, but so are its limitations. China is aggressive, but not unreservedly so. It has strong ambitions, but ones that may be amenable shaping and channelling in ways that do not end up threatening vital US interests.

2022: Russia the other Pacific power

Even if Russia does not play a key role in the competition between the major powers of the Indo-Pacific right now, the country could become an indispensable partner in the future geopolitical constellations in this most significant geographical area.

EU-Taiwan ties: Between expectations and reality

Written by Grzegorz Stec and Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy

European and Taiwanese actors need to keep in mind that escalating the political tensions with Beijing increases the price tag of EU-Taiwan engagement potentially impeding the positive momentum in bilateral ties.

What Kim Jong-un’s diplomacy tells us about Sino-NK relations

Written by Darcie Draudt

Looking forward to when the pandemic winds down, China will likely test the appetite in Pyongyang for bilateral and even multilateral meetings on denuclearisation and sanctions relief, especially at the working level.

2022: Does ASEAN have a leadership deficit?

Although Indonesia, which accounts for half of ASEAN’s size and wealth, is the natural leader of the grouping when it does not actively lead, the group is further weakened.

What’s happening on the China-Vietnam border?

Written by Bill Hayton

This year, with Cambodia in the chair of the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN), China is hoping to win concessions on the content of the Code of Conduct. So far, Vietnam is holding firm.

What China’s assertive actions mean for the India-China border

Written by Rahul Bhatia

Beijing is keen to maintain its edge in border infrastructure and is in no rush to clarify the LAC, as it believes that an unsettled border will keep India limited to the region and prevent New Delhi from projecting its power globally.

2022: The US and its European allies

The Biden administration’s decision to withdraw from Afghanistan and the handling of the AUKUS announcement has strained relations with European allies and served as a stark reminder that the United States will always privilege its interests over those of its friends and partners.

2022: Is China losing Central and Eastern Europe?

2021 was the year of Chinese ‘wolf warrior’ diplomacy and what observers have characterised as the ‘bullying’ of countries unwilling to toe Beijing’s many lines. While this has led to souring ties between China and others within its immediate neighbourhood, Europe too found itself on the wrong side of Beijing’s new muscular diplomacy.

2022: Europe and the Indo-Pacific

9DASHLINE invited a number of leading experts to explore the prospects for greater EU engagement with the geopolitical centre of gravity as several member states including Germany, France, and the Netherlands are now crafting independent Indo-Pacific strategies.

In Brief with Lisa Singh — CEO Australia India Institute

In terms of the ‘China challenge’, I think Australia’s key goal is to preserve peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, both through its membership in the Quad and through maintaining cordial ties with China.

The team behind 9DASHLINE

As we bid adieu to a busy and rewarding year for our team, 9DL’s leadership — David MacSweeney [Founder], Dr Manali Kumar [Editor-in-Chief], and Dr Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy [Head of the Associates’ Network] — answer some frequently asked questions.

Addressing food security in Indonesia

Written by Lucentezza Napitupulu, Mulia Nurhasan, John F McCarthy, Yusuf Bahtimi Samsudin and Amy Ickowitz

Focusing on locally-based food systems could enable people to regain power over their food systems, deliver healthy diets, restore the environment, and assist vulnerable people across the archipelago.

Announcement: John Pollock to leave 9DASHLINE

Following an auspicious twenty-month stint that has seen John Pollock fill several key roles with the platform, he is set to leave in the new year in order to expand his work at the Royal Institute of International Affairs — Chatham House (London).

News9DLDecember 22, 20219DASHLINE, John Pollock, 9DL, Chatham House, Royal Institute of International Affairs

Italy's 'non-strategy' in the Indo-Pacific

Written by Andrea Caligiuri

Italy’s ‘non-strategy’ in the Indo-Pacific is partly conditioned by the fact that Rome does not want an open confrontation with China. Rather, it seeks a pragmatic approach with Beijing.