China’s cautious quest to draw Afghanistan back into the fold

Written 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.

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New episode: Decoding the recent ASEAN foreign ministers meeting in Laos

This month Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy, and Richard Heydarian are joined by Ian Chong to decode the recent ASEAN Foreign Ministers meeting in Laos. We also look at the role of the Paris Olympics in enhancing people-to-people ties between Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

Subscribe now and never miss an episode.

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Southeast Asia wants US-China conflict to stay lukewarm

Written by Hunter Marston

Whatever the outcome of the US election in November, Southeast Asian states will continue hedging for as long as possible.

Faultlines9DLAugust 19, 2024Southeast Asia wants US-China conflict to stay lukewarm, Hunter Marston, 9DASHLINE, China, United States, Trump, AUKUS

Striking a balance in India's evolving AI odyssey

Written by Fatima Tahir

In navigating these challenges and fortifying its regulatory framework, India needs to steer its AI journey towards a future that is both prosperous and socially responsible.

The new Thai Senate: Less powerful and less predictable

Written by Mathis Lohatepanont

The new senators are largely unknown to the public; their individual preferences can only be gleaned with time, and so how they will behave is largely still a matter of speculation.

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From equidistance to engagement: The evolution of Russia’s Korea strategy

Written by Anthony V. Rinna

As long as Russia refrains from taking any steps in its defence cooperation with North Korea that directly threaten South Korea, there is still a chance that Moscow can leave room for at least a partial restoration of ties with Seoul.

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Introducing 'The Bridge', our new monthly podcast connecting Europe and the Indo-Pacific

Our new monthly podcast in conjunction with the European Parliament in ASEAN is your essential guide to navigating the complex and developing interplay between Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

Hosted by Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy and Richard Heydarian, The Bridge is your opportunity to better understand the forces shaping the future of Europe and Asia.

Subscribe now and never miss an episode.

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NATO and Northeast Asia: A growing partnership

Written by Emma Chanlett-Avery

A decisive shift in US policy towards isolationism and “America First” could disrupt or downgrade ‘trans-Atlantic’ and Indo-Pacific alliances.

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Wildcatting the Pacific: Seabed mining and the Pacific islands

Written by Drake Long

While the ISA Council could not agree on regulations, it did agree that it would from now on have oversight over the seabed mining application process instead of the ISA’s exclusive Legal and Technical Commission.

The Navigator's July issue is out now

This month, we delve into the evolving geopolitical landscape, shaped by significant diplomatic shifts, strategic investments, and ongoing regional tensions.

Our two issue briefs cover the potential approach of the UK's new Labour government toward the Indo-Pacific, and the race to connect Pacific island nations via new digital infrastructure.

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Sri Lanka’s potential political realignment

Written by Dr Neil DeVotta

Ultimately, given the dire economic and debt situation facing the island, the victorious candidate and his party will have little choice but to balance relations with major powers like India, China, and the United States.

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Locked in paralysis: Vietnam's anti-corruption campaign and tightened public sphere

Written by Dr Mai Truong

The government has significantly increased arrests of pro-democracy activists. Recently, many prominent democracy advocates, including Pham Doan Trang, who received the 2024 PEN America Freedom to Write Award, have been detained, and many of the previously mentioned blogs and websites have been shut down.

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Russia adds to India’s strategic drag in the Indo-Pacific

Written by Chetan Rana

As India navigates this new geopolitical landscape, it must critically reassess the touted advantages of its relationship with Russia and ensure that its foreign policy adapts to contemporary realities.

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Taiwan’s pro-China opposition in Congress pass undemocratic laws that trigger mass protest

Written by Fang-Yu Chen and Ya-Han Chen

In short, this reform makes the LY a super-powerful institution that raises concerns about undermining the separation of power and thus checks and “imbalances”.

At the water’s hedge: Indonesia, insularity and China’s rise

Written by Dylan Motin

Indonesia appears relatively under-committed to power politics and continental affairs. It worries about China’s rise, but not to the extent of joining US-led containment efforts.

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Mending trilateral cooperation amid differences: Japan-ROK-China

Written by Daria Kurushina

Whether the driver is counterbalancing China’s influence in the region, addressing economic unfairness and trade barriers, criticising the expansion of the US trilateral alliance systems in the region, or improving diplomatic ties, the three countries have too much in common to neglect their interdependence.

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Tariffs on Chinese electric cars could stop Europe reaching its climate goals

Written by Irakli Machaidze

To ace the EV game without self-inflicted wounds, the EU needs a top-notch strategy. This means smartly tapping into ties with up-and-coming economies, beefing up security measures, and offering financial perks to tackle tough dependencies.

A new era dawns: Labour’s Indo-Pacific offer

Written by Sam Hogg

Labour has chosen to keep its Indo-Pacific cards close to its chest. Success for a future British government in the region will require dexterity and a robust understanding of what regional players want.

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