Information on "International Relations" and "Asia"
May 2013
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8 May 2013
The Beting Serupai Incident
The People's Liberation Army Navy recently undertook 'patrol and training missions' within territorial waters claimed by Malaysia. Tang Siew Mun considers this an error of strategic judgment on Beijing’s part. Kuala Lumpur has always advocated a more reasoned and diplomatic approach to problems in the South China Sea. More on «The Beting Serupai Incident» -
3 May 2013
Palestine After Fayyad: The Choice Between Cooperation and Conflict
Why did Salam Fayyad recently resign as Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority? Today, Nathan Thrall explores the factors that led to his departure, including the challenges of holding a position that is widely backed by Western powers but only weakly supported by Palestinians. More on «Palestine After Fayyad: The Choice Between Cooperation and Conflict»
April 2013
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30 Apr 2013
Uzbekistan: A 'Dress Rehearsal' for a Succession Crisis?
Unconfirmed reports indicate that Uzbekistan’s President Islam Karimov suffered a severe heart attack on March 19. Writing for the Center for Eastern Studies, Marek Matusiak considers the likelihood of follow-on power struggles and uprisings, as well as possible political instability in Central Asia. More on «Uzbekistan: A 'Dress Rehearsal' for a Succession Crisis?» -
25 Apr 2013
Moscow-Beijing Ties: An Axis of Necessity
Richard Weitz reports that the recent Russia-China presidential summit in Moscow yielded a clear message. Both governments want a comprehensive relationship, but they want one that is practical and based on common interests. Shop-worn Cold War ideology has nothing to do with it. More on «Moscow-Beijing Ties: An Axis of Necessity» -
2 Apr 2013
Is International Pressure Failing in Sri Lanka?
The end of the decades-old civil war in Sri Lanka enabled the world to shift its focus to events in Africa and the Middle East. Not smart, argue numerous observers. Colombo now appears unwilling to integrate meaningful reconciliation and reintegration processes into its official policies. More on «Is International Pressure Failing in Sri Lanka?» -
1 Apr 2013
Israeli Apology to Turkey Big First Step But Not Sea Change
After several years of mutual silence, Turkey and Israel are talking to each other again. Ross Wilson believes, however, that this latest rapprochement owes more to US diplomatic efforts than a genuine desire by Ankara and Tel Aviv to reset diplomatic relations. More on «Israeli Apology to Turkey Big First Step But Not Sea Change»
March 2013
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14 Mar 2013
The Security Council in Yemen: Strong Commitment, Limited Leverage
According to Casey L. Coombs, the United Nations Security Council has provided considerable support for Yemen’s political transition. However, a recent upsurge in political violence has exposed the limits of its influence over events in this fractured state. More on «The Security Council in Yemen: Strong Commitment, Limited Leverage»
February 2013
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28 Feb 2013
Russia-US Relations under Obama: Round 2
Many commentators believe that the Obama administration has failed to 'reset' its ties with Moscow. Richard Weitz may agree, but he also reminds us that Russia and the US continue to share a number of interests together. They make cooperating with each other an imperative rather than an option. More on «Russia-US Relations under Obama: Round 2» -
27 Feb 2013
China-Japan Maritime Relations: The Case for Cautious Optimism
Speculation is growing that Japan’s Shinzo Abe and China’s Xi Jinping are interested in staging a bilateral leadership summit. James Manicom is not surprised by such rumors. They often follow prolonged periods of confrontation between the two countries, particularly over disputed maritime territory. More on «China-Japan Maritime Relations: The Case for Cautious Optimism » -
26 Feb 2013
U.S.-Iran Relations: In Diplomacy We Trust
Tracy Lee believes that the reelection of Barack Obama may help to ease tensions between the United States and Iran. What she does not expect to change, however, is Washington’s tough diplomatic stance over Tehran’s controversial nuclear program. More on «U.S.-Iran Relations: In Diplomacy We Trust»
