Foreign Policy Blogs

Regions

Post-impeachment Consensus Calls for a New Political System in South Korea

Post-impeachment Consensus Calls for a New Political System in South Korea

In the aftermath of the Candlelight Revolution, the Korean people’s demands for constitutionally restructuring the post-1987 presidency have heightened.

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On the South China Sea, Tillerson Suggests Going All In on a Losing Hand

On the South China Sea, Tillerson Suggests Going All In on a Losing Hand

What makes Tillerson’s bellicosity even more absurd is that the U.S. position in the South China Sea has never been weaker.

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Gambia Offers Hope for African Democracy

Gambia Offers Hope for African Democracy

Gambians ousted Yahya Jammeh after 23 years of authoritarian rule. Many are hoping this is a signal that the days of other long-ruling African dictators could be numbered.

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The ‘Shia Crescent’ and Middle East Geopolitics

The ‘Shia Crescent’ and Middle East Geopolitics

Saudi Arabia and Iran project influence using their interpretations of Islam and the politicization of sectarian identities as instruments of foreign policy.

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North Korea’s ICBM Threat and the Trump Administration

North Korea’s ICBM Threat and the Trump Administration

Pyongyang could decide to conduct a new ballistic test in the early weeks of the new administration to gauge President Trump’s response.

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China Tightens Censorship As Trump Takes Office

China Tightens Censorship As Trump Takes Office

News outlets in China were ordered to “downplay” the U.S. inauguration, and to publish only reports from central state media.

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Venezuela’s Challenges Drag On

Venezuela’s Challenges Drag On

A currency shakeup, corruption probes on the oil industry, and a growing crackdown against political opponents. Venezuela’s situation demands our attention.

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Pro-China Groups Protest Taiwan President’s U.S. Visit

Pro-China Groups Protest Taiwan President’s U.S. Visit

The protest received little attention in the U.S. but was widely reported in China as evidence of “overseas Chinese” support for Beijing’s “one-China” policy.

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Of Drones and Overseas Military Bases: The New Face of the War on Terror

Of Drones and Overseas Military Bases: The New Face of the War on Terror

In the summer of 2016, thousands of German citizens stood outside of Ramstein Air Base to protest U.S. drone strikes conducted from there.

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Vietnam Hedging by Dredging in the South China Sea

Vietnam Hedging by Dredging in the South China Sea

Hanoi has been actively fortifying its key holdings in the Spratlys, including the construction of a runway, tunnels and bunkers to defend its territory against China.

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The Rocky Road to Stability: Mali 4 Years after the French Intervention

The Rocky Road to Stability: Mali 4 Years after the French Intervention

The French intervention and the African-led multilateral force have saved Mali from a total collapse. At the same time, the country is far from long-term stability.

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Taiwan’s President and Pro-China Opposition Leader both Plan U.S. Visits

Taiwan’s President and Pro-China Opposition Leader both Plan U.S. Visits

Tensions between Taiwan and mainland China will come to the U.S. this month, just in time for Trump’s inauguration as President of the United States.

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Israel’s Impending Demographic Reality

Israel’s Impending Demographic Reality

Israel can be Jewish, it can be democratic, and it can be in control of Greater Israel. But it can only choose two out of three.

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Japan Outpaces U.S. in Race to Enlist Russia to Balance China

Japan Outpaces U.S. in Race to Enlist Russia to Balance China

U.S.-Russian hostilities have decreased U.S. strategic options with respect to China, enabling Shinzo Abe’s own Russian diplomacy to be more fruitful.

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Japan’s Defense Minister Visits ‘War Crimes Shrine’ Following Pearl Harbor Trip

Japan’s Defense Minister Visits ‘War Crimes Shrine’ Following Pearl Harbor Trip

The visit sparked anger among the country’s neighbors—particularly China and South Korea—that suffered under Japanese occupation during World War II.

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