A perfect storm of crises: Afghanistan in 2022

Written by Tim Foxley

The Taliban’s seizure of power and the sheer speed of government collapse took everyone by surprise. The international community, Afghanistan’s neighbourhood, and the Afghan population themselves are now attempting to understand and address the implications of a Taliban regime.

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EU and ASEAN: Turning 45 and stronger than ever

Written by Igor Driesmans

Over the past 45 years, the EU and ASEAN have built links that make the EU the most comprehensive of ASEAN’s partners. On this anniversary, we look forward to taking the Strategic Partnership to the next level.

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Lessons from Chinese government interference in Australia

Written by James Laurenceson

Lancaster University’s Andrew Chubb pinpoints the big lesson from Australia’s experience with Chinese government interference: the risks must be disaggregated with each accorded its own assessment and response.

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2022: Hong Kong — more than just territory

As China tightens its grip over political and civic institutions, Hong Kong seems to have been left to fend for itself by the international community. 9DASHLINE invites a select group of experts to identify some wider concerns and avenues of support for the city-state fighting to maintain its democracy.

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US credibility at home and abroad

Written by David Hutt

There is a deep sense of unease about America's actual place in world affairs. It is therefore worth considering whether American power, at home and abroad, appears weak or is weak.

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Ukraine — A wakeup call for the United States

Written by Nicholas Ross Smith

Washington needs to replace its grand strategy with more nuanced strategies that better reflect the evolving power dynamics of the international and regional systems. Without realistic adjustments, the United States and its allies face a difficult future of regional great power competitions in Eastern Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

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2022: The Quad, AUKUS and the future Indo-Pacific

The reinvigoration of the Quad and the announcement of the AUKUS last year have been a subject of much consternation and debate. While they signal renewed diplomatic energy on Washington’s part, questions remain whether these initiatives will translate to meaningful policy and if they will promote or hinder a coherent Indo-Pacific strategy.

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In Brief: Tereza Novotna — South Korea Associate at 9DASHLINE

This week we are delighted to announce the arrival of Tereza Novotna as our new South Korea Associate. In joining our expanding network of associates her arrival marks the next stage of our development in seeking to connect Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

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Could minilateralism work in the South China Sea?

Written by Huynh Tam Sang

The time is ripe for Indonesia and its counterparts to work closely and effectively. Leaders in Jakarta should forge a shared perception of unity among participants by highlighting the importance of working hand-in-hand as no country can navigate the South China Sea challenges alone.

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Solomon Islands stress: what happened, why and what does it all mean?

Written by Tess Newton Cain

The other development, which has received very little attention, was the reported departure of 140 “traumatised” Chinese nationals from the Solomon Islands by chartered flight to Guangzhou.

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After a year of fighting Myanmar's junta is showing frustration

Written by Angshuman Choudhury

Long wars become even more difficult for the primary aggressors when they lack local support or popular legitimacy, which is certainly the case with the military in Myanmar today.

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The Tatmadaw’s flawed theory of victory

Written by Zachary Abuza

Entering the second year, one thing is certain: the military is getting both frustrated and desperate. Generals are being rotated and replaced with loyalists. The army will increase attacks on civilians, and that will further weaken morale for all but the most hardcore and indoctrinated.

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Disinformation and democratic backsliding: India’s Facebook problem

Written by Raju Rajagopal, Nikhil Mandalaparthy

Despite a handful of statements from Facebook and its much publicised Oversight Board, it seems unlikely that Facebook will make any significant changes with regard to India, out of fear of upsetting the Modi government.

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2022: Taiwan and its continued push for recognition

9DASHLINE invites a select group of experts to explore how Taiwan may circumvent its diplomatic isolation and be included as a reliable partner in international efforts seeking a transition towards a greener, healthier and more resilient world.

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Human Rights, China and the Winter Olympics — can democratic unity prevail?

Written by Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy

After Taiwan opened a representative office in Lithuania under its own name, Beijing didn’t only retaliate bilaterally, but it went after Lithuania’s trading partners in Europe, undermining the integrity of the European single market.

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Maritime monitoring — AIS implications of China’s new data policy

Written by Jamie Withorne

If Beijing categorises AIS as a data type subject to DSL, it should issue a clarification on how it plans to collaborate with the IMO and other international organisations on issues of AIS data.

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