The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat: Challenges and unity

Written by Daniel Julian Savua

While the PIF started in the era of regionalism and cooperation between nations, it has now turned to individualism with some nations taking steps that are best for them rather than the region.

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As the focus on Myanmar fades Ukraine takes the spotlight

Written by Kristina Kironska

The military regime is worried that the Russian supply of hardware to Myanmar could slow down as it is now needed elsewhere. Moreover, Western financial sanctions on Russia are worrying for the junta as many generals and Myanmar’s arms dealers have bank accounts in Russia.

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Imran Khan — the end of a civilian dictator

Written by Ayesha Siddiqa

Indeed, in his political career spanning about two decades, he never learned the art of adjustment, honouring commitments, or following principles. He remained a good agitator, a master in building a popular narrative and catching people’s imagination, but without the capacity to deliver.

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Uncharted waters: In search of Slovenia’s long-term China strategy

Written by Valentina Vengust

As a small country without the economic or political leverage of the bigger players, openly pursuing and advocating for the formation of an EU-wide unified strategy towards China could be extremely beneficial for Slovenia to attain its own foreign-policy goals.

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Liberalism from below: The Global South, Ukraine and the Liberal International Order

Written by Indrajit Roy

Of the 141 countries that condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, over 90 are from the Global South. Criticisms of Russia are thus not confined to European or North American countries.

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Japan-Russia: The end of delusions

Written by Céline Pajon

Faced with the paralysis of the UN Security Council (UNSC), for instance, Tokyo condemned Russian actions and called for reform of this body. As part of this reform, the number of UNSC permanent members would increase, with a seat for Japan.

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Taiwan: Partisanship and identity struggles create exploitable loopholes for Beijing

Written by Thomas Chan

The acutely partisan nature and resentment between pan-Blue and pan-Green politicians could render it a continuous shouting contest and ultimately desensitise the population from any genuine concerns and escalation.

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Japan’s strategic policies under the current global order

Written by Elli Pohlkamp

This behaviour of inactivity and standing on the sidelines has changed now, driven by the concern that one day Japan might need help from its Western alliance partners should the security situation around Japan change.

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Duterte, the last of the drug warriors?

Written by David Hutt

Much of the coverage of Southeast Asia’s drug wars has focused on the drug warriors themselves. But if, as experts say, populist politicians regard drug wars as an easy way to capture votes, perhaps the problem lies first with society, not with politics.

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Preparing for a crowded Indo-Pacific: where to next?

Written by Gabriele Abbondanza

What we are witnessing is an increasingly crowded region, one in which the many strategies of interested states and organisations do not coordinate to a meaningful extent and therefore frustrate each other.

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In Conversation: Julia Gurol on The EU-China Security Paradox

We recently sat down with Dr Julia Gurol to discuss her latest book ‘The EU-China Security Paradox’. A fascinating read, this book investigates the complex security relations between the EU and China — one of the world’s most important, yet complicated, security relationships.

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Why China will not cooperate with the United States on North Korea

Written by Anny Boc

China’s public support in February for Russia’s position on opposing further NATO expansion reflects its own long harboured concern about US’ intent to establish an Asian version of NATO.

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India’s domestic manufacturing amidst COVID-19

Written by Akhil Bery

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ahead of the 2024 general elections, the Indian government needs to focus its efforts on job creation.

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In Brief: David Hutt and Dr Lucas Knotter, our new associate editors

9DL recently welcomed David Hutt and Dr Lucas Knotter to our team as our new associate editors. Our Editor-in-Chief, Dr Manali Kumar, recently sat down with them to learn more about their work and plans to help take the platform forward.

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Shouldn’t we just close all Confucius Institutes?

Written by Matthias Niedenführ

The West must ask itself serious questions about its desired relationship with China but a blanket closure of Confucius Institutes seems a politically expedient knee jerk reaction.

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