A recent gaffe by Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe exposes the tense relations between Japan, China, and South Korea, and "helps explain why the region seems on the brink of not one by several conflicts," says Jonathan Tepperman.
See more in China, Northeast Asia, Japan
The first foreign leader to visit Pakistan following its recent elections was the prime minister of China, signifying the close relations between the two countries. During the visit, Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari said, "Our top priority is to further strengthen economic linkages."
See more in United States, China, Pakistan, Port Security, Geoeconomics, Trade, Proliferation
The United States did not have diplomatic relations with mainland China in the late 1940s after the communist takeover (though theoretically it maintained diplomatic relations through ties with Taiwan). The United States ended diplomatic relations with Vietnam following the Vietnam War in 1975.
See more in United States, China, Vietnam, Democracy and Human Rights, U.S. Strategy and Politics
Joshua Kurlantzick critiques President Obama's reaction to the recent Myanmar election.
See more in United States, Burma/Myanmar, U.S. Strategy and Politics
Gayle Tzemach Lemmon examines women's rights in Afghanistan.
See more in Afghanistan, Society and Culture, Population, Women, Gender Issues
Political change is happening all the time in China, though the government is not leading the charge. Rather, the Chinese people are advancing political change through advocacy by nongovernmental organizations, communication via the Internet, and political protest.
See more in China, Democratization, Civil Society
CFR Senior Fellow Daniel Markey, and former U.S. ambassador to Pakistan, Cameron Munter discuss the elections in Pakistan and the future of U.S.-Pakistan relations.
See more in Pakistan
Daniel Markey outlines three priorities for Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan as he comes in to his third non-consecutive term.
As former prime minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif looks poised to win nationwide elections, CFR's Daniel Markey highlights the vote's significance for Pakistan's democracy and foreign relations.
Isobel Coleman hosts Joshua Kurlantzick, Fellow for Southeast Asia, Council on Foreign Relations, for a discussion about the political and economic transition of Thailand and Indonesia as part of a Civil Society, Markets, and Democracy Initiative series on Realizing Democracy: Lessons from Transitioning Countries.
See more in Southeast Asia, Democracy and Human Rights, Democratization, Civil Society
Daniel Markey argues that the newly elected Pakistani prime minister's core agenda, "economic reform and improved ties with India—is one the United States should cheer."
See more in Pakistan, Elections, Political Movements
Husain Haqqani, former Pakistan ambassador to the United States, discusses the historic elections in Pakistan and their impact on U.S. foreign policy with Foreign Affairs Editor Gideon Rose.
North Korea, formally called the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), remains a top security concern for the United States, despite its moribund economy. The DPRK poses a serious potential military threat to its neighbors and to U.S. military bases and allies in the Pacific.
See more in North Korea, Defense Strategy, Homeland Security, National Security and Defense, Wars and Warfare, U.S. Strategy and Politics
The political successor to the Dalai Lama discusses Tibet.
See more in Tibet, Economics, Humanitarian Law, International Peace and Security
The political successor to the Dalai Lama discusses Tibet.
See more in Tibet, Economics, Humanitarian Law, International Peace and Security
"Going forward, the United States has no choice but to embrace the sound underpinnings of leading from behind," writes Leslie H. Gelb.
See more in Libya, United States, Afghanistan, Syria, International Peace and Security, U.S. Strategy and Politics, Foreign Policy History
South Korean President Park Geun-hye spoke at a joint session of Congress on May 8, 2013. She discussed U.S.-Korean collaboration regarding regional security and economic initiatives.
See more in South Korea, International Peace and Security
Charles Landow and Courtney Lobel trace the evolving similarities between Pittsburg and Bangalore's economic development.
See more in United States, India, Economics, Economic Development, Geoeconomics
Gayle Tzemach Lemmon outlines the biggest challenges facing recently appointed State Department Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ambassador James Dobbins.
See more in United States, NATO, Afghanistan, Pakistan, U.S. Strategy and Politics
Nawaz Sharif appears poised to return as Pakistan's prime minister, which would create new challenges for the country's already fractious politics and add strains to the U.S.-Pakistan relationship, writes CFR's Daniel Markey.
See more in Pakistan
For more on the complex challenges that lie ahead for the world's largest and most rapidly changing continent, visit the Asia Program.
What are the implications of growing Pakistan-China commercial relations for the United States?
The Future of U.S. Special Operations Forces
Special operations play a critical role in how the United States confronts irregular threats, but to have long-term strategic impact, the author argues, numerous shortfalls must be addressed.
Reforming U.S. Drone Strike Policies
The author analyzes the potentially serious consequences, both at home and abroad, of a lightly overseen drone program and makes recommendations for improving its governance.
The Power Surge
A groundbreaking analysis of what the changes in American energy mean for the economy, national security, and the environment. More
Two Nations Indivisible
A roadmap for the United States' greatest overlooked foreign policy challenge of our time--relations with its southern neighbor. More
Why Growth Matters
Two experts argue that despite myriad development strategies, only one can succeed in alleviating poverty in India: the overall growth of the country's economy. More
