China Ups the Ante in the South China Sea: How will the US React?
China’s new law authorising its Coast Guard to use deadly force if required against foreign entities is likely a test for President Biden; it comes, however, with significant risk for Beijing, Washington and the region.
Trouble Brews in South-East Asia as Thailand Rejects Laotian Dam Report
The latest move indicates growing, if belated, concern around the environmental and economic viability of damming the Mekong River.
Ethiopia Accused of Weaponising Food in Tigrayan Conflict
While it is difficult to prove the allegation that Addis Ababa deliberately blocked the delivery of food aid, it is likely to tarnish the reputation of its reform-minded Prime Minister.
Whither US Africa Policy under the Biden Administration?
Confronted by serious domestic issues, the Biden Administration is likely to continue the Africa policy of its predecessor but, as that is framed largely through the lens of China’s presence on the continent, it may become necessary for Washington to finesse its Africa policy sooner rather than later.
Sino-Indian Confidence-Building Measures: A Waste of Time
China’s duplicitous breaches of the terms of the agreements that it has entered into with India are one consequence of India’s failed policy of strategic autonomy.
Water Storage Projected to Decline by Two-Thirds as Climate Changes
A study finds that the southern hemisphere will be especially at risk as terrestrial water storage falls, increasing the risk of violence within states.
Modi Government Caught Up in a Serious Protest, Again
After India’s Parliament passed three agriculture-related Acts in September that farmers want repealed, the Supreme Court temporarily suspended them and asked the government and the farmers to jointly resolve the matter. The question is, will the government give in to one of the largest protests seen in India or withstand it?
Death Bells Tolling for Turkmenistan’s neo-Soviet Government?
Political protest is beginning rise in Turkmenistan and, due to the worsening state of the economy and influence of the Turkmen diaspora, the nascent movement may even have a genuine chance of overthrowing the repressive Democratic Party of Turkmenistan.
Indonesia: Issues to Watch for in 2021
Indonesia may see the worst of the pandemic in 2021 and Australia should closely watch how Jakarta’s relationship with Beijing develops. The fate of the hardline Front Pembela Islam may also be decided, which could have a significant impact on the broader community.
Republicans and Democrats Squabble as Public Confidence in the US Election Erodes
It is probable that President-elect Joseph Biden will take the oath of President of the US on 20 January; whether he will be recognised as such by half of that country’s voters remains to be seen.