List / Dossiers / ISN

July 2013

Southeast Asia: Issues in Focus
After looking last week at the broader issues affecting Southeast Asia, this week we look at a handful of specific problems – i.e., the possible impact of Indonesia’s 2014 presidential election on its strategic ambitions; the maritime and territorial disputes still plaguing the South China Sea; the rising concerns about nuclear security and proliferation among Southeast Asian states; and the prospects for increased energy security cooperation in the region. More on «Southeast Asia: Issues in Focus»
Southeast Asia: a Region United?
With fears of a regional arms race lurking in the background, Southeast Asian states are not only torn between trying to balance the interests of China and the US with their own, but also over how to speak with one voice. But prospects for group action are being frustrated by a weak and divided ASEAN; a worrying economic outlook; and rising human insecurity. More on «Southeast Asia: a Region United?»

Northeast Asia: Issues in Focus
This week we examine potentially destabilizing implications of China’s inward-looking strategic outlook; growing tensions on the Korean peninsula; the dispute between China and Japan over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands; and the future of China-Taiwan relations. We then consider the difference between the region's ideal and likely future trajectories. More on «Northeast Asia: Issues in Focus»
Northeast Asia: Future Tense
A quick look at the news might convince you that balance-of-power politics will continue to dominate Northeast Asia’s geopolitical and security landscape for a long time to come. But is that really the case? Do the states in the region remain mired in mutual antipathy or are they becoming increasingly amenable to regional cooperation, if not outright integration? More on «Northeast Asia: Future Tense»

Managing East and Northeast Asia
Nationalism and balance of power politics continue to define the security dynamics of East and Northeast Asia. As China’s influence grows and the United States’ ‘pivot’ evolves, this week we consider how the region may respond to the geopolitical and security challenges that lie ahead. More on «Managing East and Northeast Asia»
Managing South and Southeast Asia
From Indo-Pakistani rivalry to China’s growing regional presence, South and Southeast Asia are as geopolitically contested today as they ever have been. How will leading and emerging powers manage a new generation of security challenges in the region? More on «Managing South and Southeast Asia»

Southeast Asia: Big Brother or Third Way?
In our final week of Regional Perspectives on Power, we ask whether Southeast Asia will increasingly look to either China or the US to safeguard regional security. We also consider whether a regionally-led 'third way' is a viable alternative to balance of power dynamics. More on «Southeast Asia: Big Brother or Third Way?»

Northeast Asia: Business As Usual or New Departure?
This week our Regional Perspectives on Power series focuses upon Northeast Asia. Is this pivotal region moving towards deeper economic and political integration or will mutual suspicion and balance of power dynamics continue to shape inter-state relations? More on «Northeast Asia: Business As Usual or New Departure?»