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Myanmar’s Junta-Led Election Is Neither Free nor Fair
Despite banned opposition, mass displacement, and severe repression, the staged poll is already granting the military dangerous international legitimacy.
Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae Takes Charge
The Japanese Diet elected Takaichi Sanae, the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), to the country’s highest office.
Myanmar’s Junta Forces Are Gaining Back Ground, Presaging a Long-Term Quagmire
In recent months, Myanmar’s military junta has regained ground lost to organized resistance groups. Ahead of the regime’s plans to hold national elections, continual fighting has pushed the state into a geopolitical quagmire.
Thailand Has Become Southeast Asia’s Hub of Transnational Repression
In recent years, Thailand has facilitated transnational repression by outright authoritarian neighbors and nearby democracies alike, making it increasingly difficult for Southeast Asian dissidents to find safety.
#Change, LDP! But Will It?
Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru’s announcement that he would step down has prompted yet another race within the LDP for a new president.
How America Can Win in Space to Protect Taiwan and Beyond
To protect its strategic interests in Taiwan in the event of a conflict with China, the United States should consider investing more time, energy, and resources towards an often-overlooked arena of defense competition: space superiority.
Thai Politics Poised for a Meltdown – or a Massive Breakthrough
Thailand’s parliament has selected Anutin Charnvirakul, former leader of the conservative Bhumjaithai party, as the country’s new prime minister—but he may not be able to maintain his position for long.
China is Becoming a Military Power in Southeast Asia in More Ways than People Think
Bolstered by joint military exercises and deepening ties between defense leaders, China’s growing share of arms exports to Southeast Asia and South Asia has contributed significantly to its growing influence in the two regions.
The White House’s Trade Policy Alienates Australia and New Zealand
Beyond mere economics, U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policy is proving to have troubling effects on the United States’ strategic, defense, and geopolitical relationships with Australia and New Zealand.
As Indonesia’s Protests Roil On, Prabowo’s Crackdown Could Escalate Violence
Motivated by growing economic inequality and government corruption, Indonesians have been protesting across the country for weeks. Under the administration of President Prabowo Subianto, harsh crackdowns could lead to more violent unrest.
Coup Coming? With Paetongtarn Shinawatra Removed From Office, Thailand Is in Chaos
The sudden ouster of the prime minister leaves few positive leadership options, and could push the armed forces toward intervention.
