Amateurism: The New Terrorist Strategy
Synopsis
The attacker in the December 2014 Sydney hostage crisis was not a 'lone wolf', but an amateur, part of a growing trend that international terrorist groups have encouraged. This strategy works because it uses the amateurism itself to evade standard counterterrorist practices, expands potential targets, and takes advantage of governments' overreaction to terrorism.
A trilateral intelligence sharing accord between Japan, Korea and the United States: implications and challenges
Conventional wisdom has it that intelligence is only shared between countries with a close friendship, and that the extent of intelligence sharing reflects the strength of their military relationship.
Transition in Afghanistan: Losing the Forgotten War?
The report focuses on the lessons that need to be learned from of the US experience in Afghanistan to date, and the problems Afghanistan faces now that most US and allied combat forces have left. It builds on more than a decade’s worth of reporting and analysis of the Afghan war. It examines the recent trends and problems in Afghan governance, the trends in the fighting, progress in the Afghan security forces, and what may be a growing crisis in the Afghan economy.
New Saudi King’s big challenges: Yemen, Iran and ISIS
(CNN)King Salman of Saudi Arabia has inherited the throne from his older brother and with it a host of pressing challenges in a turbulent region.
Sinking the Ships: Indonesia’s Foreign Policy under Jokowi
Synopsis
Despite some adverse comments, President Joko Widodo is not about to drastically change Indonesia’s “free and active foreign policy”. What may change during his tenure is the emphasis, orientation and strategy. His challenge is how to execute his foreign policy without losing friends. Jokowi should start calling on his ASEAN counterparts to continue the traditional regional diplomacy.
Modi and Obama: Ready to Reboot India-US Relations?
Synopsis
US President Barack Obama’s participation in India’s annual Republic Day celebration is rich in symbolism. It is also a major opportunity for Washington and Delhi to reboot their relationship and set ambitious new goals for their strategic and economic partnership.
More Nuanced than Just “Hedging”: Malaysia and the South China Sea Disputes
Synopsis
As ASEAN Chairman this year Malaysia has to tackle the South China Seas disputes. Malaysia’s supposed “hedging” stance should be viewed more comprehensively.
China-India Water Disputes: Two Major Misperceptions Revisited
Synopsis
The Sino-India ‘water wars’ narrative has been overblown and there is a need for a better understanding of China’s intent.
Islamism, Radical Islam, Jihadism: The Problem of Language and Islamophobia
Synopsis
There are problems with terms used to discuss religiously justified violence, like Islamism, Radical Islam, Jihadism, etc. They may provide legitimacy to terrorists, increase Islamophobia, and distort or misrepresent the actions and ideologies they seek to describe.
ASEAN’s Post-2015 Vision: Inclusive and Non-Elitist?
Synopsis
2015 is the marker year for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) to be realised. Whilst the focus will invariably be on the AEC, the formulation of a post-2015 ASEAN vision requires equal care and attention. It should be more inclusive and grass-roots driven.