South China Sea: Time for US-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation
Synopsis
China's accelerated construction activities in the South China Sea reveal the paucity of existing measures to manage the ongoing maritime disputes. It is high time to consider novel, decisive options, namely the proposal for the establishment of a multilateral peacekeeping force, composed of ASEAN members, with American backing.
New US Maritime Strategy: Why It Matters
Synopsis
The United States has just issued a new maritime strategy. It tells a good deal about Washington's current concerns in what it calls the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region and provides an agenda to which China and other countries in the region will have to respond.
Islamic State and its Online Recruitment Formula
Synopsis
Why is Islamic State (IS) so effective at recruitment, especially in the online realm? Recent discussions glean some insights for the Singapore and Southeast Asia context.
Russia’s Concept of Hybrid Wars: Implications for Small States
Synopsis
A strategic concept of “hybrid wars” or “non-linear wars” has reshaped the new doctrine of the Russian Armed Forces. While its underlying principles are still imprecise small states should study such ideas with an eye to how it might impact their national defence in the future.
Asean Integration: A Work in Progress, Not an ‘Illusion’
Synopsis
ASEAN and its integrative processes are working well, albeit at less than desired speed. However, the real worth and value of ASEAN is the consciousness that has been developed among ministers, officials and NGO representatives of thinking in regional terms.
Lee Kuan Yew’s Leadership: Model for China?
Synopsis
Singapore’s governance model is widely touted to be world-class. Much of it is due to the brand of its political leadership which is studied by many countries around the world, not least China.
Pakistan & the Yemen War: Perils of Joining the Saudi-led Coalition
Synopsis
Saudi Arabia’s demand to Pakistan to join its coalition against the Houthi uprising in Yemen has put Islamabad in a catch-22 situation. Pakistan is caught between joining the Saudi alliance and not antagonising its neighbour Iran. Joining the Saudi coalition will have long-term political, economic and security repercussions for Pakistan.
China’s Maritime Silk Road: Emerging Domestic Debates
Synopsis
The emerging domestic debates over the Maritime Silk Road (MSR) show that China faces difficult questions in formulating and implementing effective policies, both internal and external.
Plankton Bloom: Keeping Fish Farms Sustainable
Synopsis
Can Singapore really attain more self-sufficiency in fish supplies? The recent plankton bloom causing massive fish deaths in local farms suggests a need to rethink and refocus the strategy.
China’s “One Belt, One Road” Initiative: New Round of Opening Up?
Synopsis
China’s “One Belt, One Road” Initiative has become a priority in Beijing’s foreign policy. Other countries, especially China’s neighbours, should not hesitate to capitalise on the opportunities it provides. But can China fulfil its ambition?