Emerging Cyber Capabilities in the Asia Pacific: Potential Military Impact
Synopsis
The Asia Pacific comprises diverse countries with conflicting ideologies and different states of development. Given the variety of challenges and tensions over territorial disputes and geopolitical uncertainties across the region, a careful analysis of cyber capabilities and their possible impact would be valuable.
Indonesia’s Disputed 2014 Presidential elections: What next?
Synopsis
Rival presidential candidates Joko Widodo and Prabowo Subianto have both claimed victory in Indonesia’s recently concluded presidential election. While the standoff is unprecedented in Indonesia and created uncertainty, the issue can be settled by the responsible electoral institutions. Of greater concern is the rivalry between Jokowi’s patron former president Megawati Sukarnoputri and the outgoing President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
Japan’s Rising Security Challenges
Synopsis
Japan’s decision to reinterpret its pacific constitution to allow the right to collective defence has angered China. It is crafting a more active role in security and defence in response to rising instability in Northeast Asia.
Abe Doctrine: US-Japan Alliance, International Law and ASEAN
Synopsis
Japan PM Shinzo Abe’s speech in Singapore highlighted three key principles for its foreign policy - uphold intenational law, strengthen US-Japan security relations and enhance relations with ASEAN. They signal Japan’s intention to be a contributor of peace in the region.
Piracy in Southeast Asia – The Current Situation
Recent media reports claim that piracy is again a major problem in Southeast Asia but a closer look at the situation suggests these reports are alarmist.
Toward Stealth and Sea Denial: Submarine Modernization in East Asia
Synopsis
An important aspect of the regional “arms competition” in East Asia is the gradual introduction of new classes of conventionally-powered diesel-electric submarines (SSKs), which are increasingly becoming “platforms of choice” - as force-multipliers in diverse missions as well as against superior forces.
Rethinking China’s Monroe Doctrine
It is too early to worry about China's Monroe Doctrine. Asian countries need to think about how to deal with its new Nixon Doctrine in the near future.
Aspiring Regional Power: Indonesian Foreign Policy Under Next President
Synopsis
Whether it is Prabowo Subianto or Joko Widodo, Indonesia’s next president will have to deal with an increasingly assertive China. Tensions in the South China Sea will be his first major test.
The Paracels: Historical Evidence Must be Examined
Synopsis
Advocates of the Chinese territorial claim to the islands of the South China Sea frequently cite vague historical references in support of their arguments. In order to be properly assessed, the exact references should be made explicit and honestly assessed.
Hong Kong Votes, Beijing Fumes
Synopsis
An unofficial referendum conducted in Hong Kong, sponsored by the ‘Occupy Central’ movement, drew a surprising 800,000 votes cast – drawing fire from China. What are the implications of the vote for Beijing?