Russia’s self-inflicted annus horribilis

Written by Joe Varner

The strategic importance of the Russian Pacific Fleet has never been greater to Moscow than it is now as the key means to engage and support Chinese foreign policy objectives in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

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The China-Russia ‘no-limits’ friendship in full swing

Written by Justyna Szczudlik

Possible concessions from China would neither be cost- and condition-free, nor change the nature of Beijing-Moscow ties. The best way for the West to deal with the China-Russia alignment is to acknowledge that these bonds are strong and to improve its own resilience and deterrence capacities.

The US should prioritise the Indo-Pacific over Ukraine, but the clash of interests should not be overstated

Written by Áine Cooke

The US must ensure that it remains competitive by enhancing its military capabilities to deter an invasion of Taiwan, as well as by extending its diplomatic reach to counter China’s extensive regional engagement, and by formulating a comprehensive economic and climate policy.

In Conversation: Ramon Pacheco Pardo on 'Shrimp to Whale: South Korea from the Forgotten War to K-Pop'

9DASHLINE recently engaged in a wide-ranging conversation with Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo about his fascinating new book ‘Shrimp to Whale: South Korea from the Forgotten War to K-Pop’, which charts the incredible rise of South Korea, from colonisation and civil war to the thriving nation it is today.

Xi’s Global Security Initiative in the time of Putin’s war

Written by Eva Seiwert

Considering that Western states will not be able to prevent other countries from supporting the Global Security Initiative, they should at least use this new Chinese proposal as a wake-up call.

NATO and the ‘Asia-Pacific Four’: Renewed purpose for cooperation

Written by Alexandra Sakaki

NATO has not only increased its attention to Asian security dynamics and challenges over the past years, but it has also sought to strengthen relations with the AP4 countries.

NATO’s changing strategy to counter the Sino-Russian pole

Written by Barbara Kelemen and Matej Šimalčík

Why has NATO doubled down on its attention towards China, despite the re-emerging threat from Russia following the war in Ukraine? Recent developments might have led the NATO allies to abandon or, at least, rein in their rising focus on the Indo-Pacific — a development which would clearly be in China’s interest.

South Korea eyes Europe for its future

Written by Eunwoo Lee

South Korea, whose external engagement has so far revolved around the intractable security stances of the US and China, can surely hedge its security interests by embracing Europe.

Tale of two summits: Why Jacinda Ardern said no to the Commonwealth, but yes to NATO

Written by Geoffrey Miller

And given the focus on Western unity and solidarity in recent months, there’s every chance Jacinda Ardern would travel together with Anthony Albanese on any European side-trip to Ukraine — on a joint ANZAC solidarity mission.

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Bitcoin to bombs: Illicit money and the preservation of Kim Jong-un

Written by Casey Babb

If he is going to be compelled to behave differently, or if regime change is the end goal, policymakers, practitioners, and cyber experts need to cut off North Korea’s digital “bank robbers”.

The rationale behind Beijing’s position on the war in Ukraine

Written by Wang Li

Beijing believes that even if Moscow’s reputation as a formidable military power has suffered a serious blow during its war in Ukraine it will be able to re-emerge as a stronger power in a short time.

President Biden’s more strategic competition with China

Written by Nathaniel Sher

Washington understands that it is competing with Beijing to determine not only whose economy and military are more dominant but also whose principles of governance are more worthy of global leadership.

China’s endorsement of Russia’s assault: Implications for Europe and Asia

Written by Justyna Szczudlik

China’s political support for Russia’s assault on Ukraine and coercion against Lithuania shows that the PRC has already become a security threat to Europe.

Using logistics to strengthen and expand the Quad

Written by John Holthaus

The countries that make up the Quad should use the existing approved agreements — including strengthening their relationship through maritime logistics and ship repair — before China completes its planned expansion into the IOR.

The RS-28 Sarmat: Russia’s Satan II

Written by Joe Varner

When asking whether it is a deterrence game-changer in the short and long run, the answer is likely no. To counter the Sarmat, Washington can move more and more of its vulnerable land-based deterrent to the US sea-based portion of the triad and onto submarines.

Thailand’s long-anticipated submarine deal hits yet another snag

Written by Zachary Abuza

Thailand’s submarine deal with China has been put on hold, not due to the public backlash, parliamentary scrutiny, or a lack of strategic rationale; the Gulf of Siam is too shallow for submarines to operate effectively. But since the military coup of 2014, the Thai military usually gets its way regardless of strategic rationale.

Talking to all but tilting to one: India’s voting pattern at the UN

Written by Bashir Abbas

India’s abstentions during the present Ukraine crisis are occurring during the rule of the Bharatiya Janata Party, whose right-wing credentials are well established. The 2014 vote on Crimea occurred during the rule of its predecessor — the United Progressive Alliance, a centrist party with the Congress at its helm.

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Japan-Russia: The end of delusions

Written by Céline Pajon

Faced with the paralysis of the UN Security Council (UNSC), for instance, Tokyo condemned Russian actions and called for reform of this body. As part of this reform, the number of UNSC permanent members would increase, with a seat for Japan.