China in Transition: From a Harmonious World to a Contested Region
China’s new leadership will inherit a complex, and highly contested security environment from Sino-US relations to territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
Nothing to See Here: The 2012 EU-Russia Summit
Russia is intent on proving itself relevant on the global stage. In an age when attention is shifting to the East and the South, Russia is positioning itself as a central, non-Western, power.
The Paradox of Russo-Chinese Relations
Even as Russia and China have been presenting a united front on a whole host of global issues in recent months, the underlining sense of mistrust that has long pervaded the bilateral relationship is becoming more acute. Competition in Asia is likely to persist.
The Cold War is Sustained Through Pyongyang: The East-West Divide in Northeast Asia
Though frustrating for the U.S., South Korea and Japan, the geopolitical reality is that northeast Asia remains mired in a Cold War-esque East-West divide between the Continental and Oceanic powers.
Syria: A Litmus Test for Chinese Foreign Policy
Chinese officials appear consistent in supporting a peaceful transition and a political outlet in Syria. China may be passing the test of ascending to international leadership.
Perceptions of the Other: Iran’s National Identity and Nuclear Policy
Iranian leaders’ different national identity conceptions provide insights into Tehran’s motivations for possibly acquiring a nuclear weapon, as well as the fallacy of Washington’s current approach.
US-Indian Relations: Permanent Interests Not Permanent Friends
It is important that the United States do a better job of defending its own interests in its negotiations with India. Nevertheless, there are areas of common strategic concern where we can work with the Indian government to the benefit of both nations.
In Panetta’s Wake
The US Defense Secretary, Leon Panetta, recently concluded a sweeping trip across much of Asia. Despite initial missteps when it followed a China first policy and also sought to assuage Pakistan’s concerns, the Obama administration now seeks to work with India as the linchpin of its Asian security strategy.
Omens for the Shangri-La Dialogue
The focus on the South China Sea at the Shangri-La Dialogue will be a welcome addition to the diplomatic efforts to avoid conflict. But it will take many more years of concerted diplomacy to settle this thorny issue.
The Terrestrial Parochialism of International Relations
One certain casualty of a Chinese annexation of territory on the Moon would be that students of International Relations would be compelled to abandon their parochial terrestrial perspective.
