The Global Bellwether
As the Chinese Communist Party hurtles headlong into the AI dilemma, its successes and failures will leave behind some kind of rudimentary map for the rest of us.
Asia
15 articles
The Ballad of East and West
In a fascinating new book, historian Anthony Bale vividly reconstructs the brutal, fantastical, and sometimes deeply religious experiences of medieval travellers across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Nixon Was Right
After all these years, the Communist Party is still handcuffed to its American rival, and it is unable to break free.
Trump, Tehran, and the China Calculus
The CCP will certainly take advantage should Iran turn into a major distraction for the US.
A Strike Against Beijing
Operation Epic Fury is not just about Iran.
The Fall of Zhang Youxia
A septuagenarian loyalist may be facing execution for the crimes of caution and professionalism.
Stranded in History
China’s over-reaction to a measured remark about Taiwan made by the Japanese prime minister is an attempt to move the Overton Window.
Broken China
The Chinese economy is a picture of mismanagement, wasted opportunities, and decline.
Dangerous Games
In its quest to exploit Myanmar for diverse ends, the Chinese Communist Party keeps underestimating the state’s volatility.
A Show of Weakness
China’s military parade was a distraction from the country’s weaknesses and vulnerabilities.
Thai Colonialism in the Malay World
A spate of deadly shootings in Thailand is just the latest episode in a centuries-long struggle between Thais and Malays.
The End of NATO, or The Sixth Impossible Thing
The Trump administration has liquidated the postwar international order.