ASIA-PACIFIC

By José Carlos Palma* Decoding Putin’s Plan to Weaken the West Through Proliferation of Local Wars As the world grapples with the increasing complexity of global conflicts, Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be orchestrating a strategic move to trigger more local wars with the ultimate goal of weakening the

By José Carlos Palma* Pakistan finds itself at a crossroads, caught between its longstanding ties with the United States and its growing economic and strategic partnership with China. As the US-China rivalry intensifies, Islamabad faces the delicate task of navigating this complex geopolitical landscape, seeking to maintain cordial relations with

Russia will revoke the ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) to put itself on par with the United States, but will only resume nuclear tests if Washington does it first, a senior Russian diplomat said Tuesday. The CTBT bans all nuclear explosions anywhere in the world, although

By José Carlos Palma* The election of Mohamed Muizzu as the new president of the Maldives and the strong performance of the Kremlin-friendly SMER party in Slovakia’s recent elections have raised concerns about the growing influence of China and Russia in these countries. Muizzu, the leader of the opposition Progressive

As North Korean leader Kim Jong Un travels to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, concerns arise regarding North Korea’s aging artillery and rocket stockpiles, which could potentially bolster Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine. This meeting highlights the converging interests of both leaders as they face separate confrontations with the United

Artist Elena Osipova at a protest against the war in Ukraine on Nevsky Prospekt in St. Petersburg. Alexei Smagin / Kommersant By José Carlos Palma* In today’s interconnected world, it is vital to differentiate between the political leadership of a nation and the diverse tapestry of its people. Nowhere is

Australia’s Minister of Defence and deputy prime minister Richard Marles [second from right] talks to Australian Defence Advisor Col. Justin Bywater [right] while Solomon Islands Commissioner of Police Mostyn Mangau [second from left] looks on in Honiara on June 29, 2023. [Gina Maka’a/BenarNews] Solomon Islands prime minister said government still

The following text is a joint EU-Vietnam press release: Vietnam and the European Union (EU) held their annual Human Rights Dialogue in Ha Noi on 9 June 2023. The Vietnam and EU delegations expressed their mutual appreciation of the partnership between Vietnam and the European Union, notably since the EU

By José Carlos Palma* The Russian Federation, with its vast expanse and diverse regions, faces potential challenges that could test the stability and continuity of Vladimir Putin’s hold on power. Beneath Russia’s seemingly impassive surface, new forces are in motion, which have the potential to disrupt the established order. This

By José Carlos Palma* In 1970, Andrei Amalrik, a Soviet dissident, penned an essay that carried a provocative and heretical title: “Will the Soviet Union Survive Until 1984?” This thought-provoking piece offered a critical examination of the Soviet Union’s political, social, and economic landscape, questioning its long-term viability. Amalrik’s essay