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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Farmers, Facebook, and Myanmar’s coup

Written by Hilary Faxon, Kendra Kintzi, Van Tran, Kay Zak Wine & Swan Ye Htut

Consistent with broader trends across Facebook in Myanmar, in the days and weeks that followed the coup, farming groups erupted with political news and calls to support the Civil Disobedience Movement.

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Quiet for a change: the Marcos approach so far

Written by Angelica Mangahas

When it comes to China, Marcos has been more provocative than Duterte but also more discreet than Aquino.

Will the decision on Bougainville’s independence rupture Australia’s Pacific Family?

Written by Corey Lee Bell and Elena Collinson

The approaching milestone on Bougainville’s journey to independence could once again see China escalating its efforts.

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Jammu and Kashmir: Living with violence along the border

Written by Deep Pal

For locals as well as security agencies, the current ceasefire, without resolving underlying issues, is temporary at best. This is evident in the fact that in over 18 months without CFVs, permanent security structures along the border have not been dismantled.

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China’s water security dilemma

Written by Zenel Garcia and Phillip Guerreiro

The current approach has resulted in a water policy that has had a detrimental impact on regional water security and social stability, thus heightening tensions in the region.

Italy pushes back against China’s technology transfer

Written by Francesca Ghiretti and Rebecca Arcesati

Mario Draghi’s new unit to screen FDI in strategic sectors should be concerned with more than inbound investments. Particularly, the new division should consider turning its attention towards research and innovation (R&I) exchanges.

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Asia-Pacific space sector development should leverage comparative advantages

Written by Nicholas Borroz

Uplinking must relay instructions to spacecraft, and downlinking is required to turn the data they collect into valuable services. The communications segment has high barriers to entry, but if one can stomach the wherewithal required to enter it, then one can tap into a captive market.