Yemen instability reveals limits of U.S. counterterrorism strategy
When President Obama unveiled his strategy to fight the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) last September, he pointed to Yemen as a prime example.
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.
Deaths in Paris: Separating Fact from Fiction
Synopsis
The jihadist assaults in Paris on Charlie Hebdo have sparked allegations of a failure by French intelligence and security agencies. Jihadists beyond the Middle East are also portrayed as coordinated by Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). A closer look suggests those assertions are at best speculation.
Responding to the Paris Attack: Beware the Fatal Error
Synopsis
The killings in Paris have resulted in panic and public concern, but the authorities should not give the attackers what they seek. States and security forces should avoid the trap of reacting to terrorist violence with overwhelming state violence, which would serve the interests of radical militant groups to sow distrust and antagonism.
Deaths in Paris: Refining the Post-9/11 Model
Synopsis
Underlying the attack on the Charlie Hebdo magazine is a far greater threat than the brutalising of freedom of expression. Western leaders and security agencies too often fall into and create a vicious cycle modelled on the 9/11 attacks in the US: A Muslim community that rejects violence is put on the defensive. The upshot is polarisation that breeds radicalisation.