The New Age of Global Trade
Table of Contents
Every recent headline has its roots in longer-term, deep-seated trendlines.
Russia and Central Asia have been mutually shaped by decades of labor migration, but these long-running ties have begun to fray.
With domestic politics gravely polarized, security increasingly fragile, and the economy barely stable, there is little sign of an end to Pakistan’s chronic dysfunction.
Much ink has been spilled on the geopolitical benefits for China’s government. But what does the end of U.S. development funding mean for China’s people?
The China-U.S. trade war is back with a vengeance.
The “whitelist” policy was supposed to restore financing to stalled projects. So why have housing completion and financing rates both dropped?
The Chinese government venerates Kumarajiva not only for his contributions to Buddhism but also as a symbol of China’s ideological and geopolitical ambitions.
Taiwan’s history of resistance against colonizers – whether European, Japanese, or Chinese – and multi-ethnic nation-building deserves recognition.
Despite political constraints and shortcomings, he stands for some badly-needed stability in a tumultuous time.
How did the small Japanese opposition party become a kingmaker – and can it last?
Should the Constitutional Court uphold the impeachment of Yoon Suk-yeol, who will run for the presidential election?
China is ramping up its military actions and raising tensions in the Nansei Islands. Japan is bolstering its presence in response. Locals are caught in the middle.
Japan’s unique strategy – combining regulatory oversight, resource efficiency, and international partnership – offers a potential blueprint for the world.
Since the beginning of this year, the Sri Lankan Navy has apprehended over 130 fishermen on charges of poaching in Sri Lankan waters.
Pakistan may have urged China to understand its delicate position and slow down on demands, such as deploying Chinese forces and militarizing Gwadar Port.
No mention was made of a possible sanctions waiver for India’s development of Iran’s Chabahar port, which India secured from the U.S. during Trump 1.0.
Unpacking the sensational – and implausible – accusations made by a former U.S. State Department official.
The festival shone the spotlight on climate change, rallying voices for resilience in a city facing the brunt of environmental vulnerabilities.
The inclusion of Aung San Suu Kyi – and the response by Rohingya groups and the NUG – illustrates an imbalance between politics and accountability.
Despite its growing prosperity and ambition, the country still has to tread a careful line between larger regional and global powers.
Do Jakarta’s industrial incentives reflect misaligned priorities?
A long-dreaded dam project on Laos’ side of the border is moving forward, despite opposition from locals.
In an uncertain global climate, the state is playing a more assertive role in financial and capital markets.
A February agreement paves the way for the return of $182 million to Uzbekistan.
Despite a surge in anti-corruption efforts, systemic fraud and bribery remain deeply embedded in Uzbekistan’s governance. With thousands of officials facing charges yet minimal consequences, is real change on the horizon?
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are closing in on the conclusion of their long-running border dispute. What does the prospect mean to locals?
Faced with climate disasters at home, Kazakhstan is accepting clean energy as a necessity, not just an ambition.
Without guarantees that observers would be accredited, and an apparent lack of engagement by Dushanbe, the OSCE has chosen to cancel its monitoring mission.
“We also have an expectation that New Zealand will be fully and meaningfully consulted on all major international actions that the Cook Islands contemplates that affect our interests.”
Washington should take note.
The new China-Cook Islands deal has implications for Pacific security, but particularly for New Zealand, the United States, and Australia.
In a world where the great powers are disinterested in trust and responsibility, there’s a lot now on the table for middle powers like Australia to pursue.
Island nations remain particularly vulnerable to Chinese efforts to increase dependency – and each one is a potential military foothold.
The first Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting under the new U.S. administration suggested changes on at least three counts.
What does the aid freeze mean on a practical level? More broadly, what does it mean for the geopolitical balance Mongolia maintains?
The French Navy’s ongoing Clemenceau 25 mission has taken the Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group (CSG) to the Indo-Pacific.
The settlement of the Ukraine conflict in a manner reminiscent of the 1938 Munich Agreement could entice more states to resolve disputes militarily. Taiwan especially looks ever more vulnerable.
Through several rounds of reform, China has moved to consolidate control of its aerospace-related military units – including ballistic missile defense – under a single command.
In Indonesia and elsewhere, anger at Israel’s brutal attacks on Gaza has provided grist for the extremist mill.
Before the 19th century, the European feeling of superiority toward Asia was not as strong or common as it latter became.
“Ne Zha 2” has shattered several box office records while sparking national pride in China’s cultural strength.
Islamic practices in Uzbekistan, after enduring seven decades of Soviet-imposed atheism, are now being increasingly adopted by the younger generation.
