• Sun-12-2024
How Autocracy Prevailed in Tunisia and Why Any Future Democratic Renewal Will Depend on an Entirely New Movement (November 4, 2024, Foreign Affairs)

Not long ago, Tunisia was considered one of the biggest success stories in the Middle East and North Africa. Unlike neighboring Arab countries that experienced massive popular uprisings in 2011, Tunisia did not immediately revert to authoritarianism or descend into civil war. Instead, after its longtime dictator fled, an interim government held free and fair elections. By now, however, that success has decisively unraveled.

  • Tue-12-2024
Middle East crisis live: Israeli government approves plans to extend occupation of Golan Heights (December 16, 2024, The Guardian)

Government says it acted ‘in light of the war and new front facing Syria’ and has a desire to double the Israeli population in the area.

  • Tue-12-2024
Breaking the Stalemate: A Strategic Framework To Resolve Western Sahara (December 13, 2024, The Heritage Foundation)

The Western Sahara resolution, building on existing policy frameworks, offers an achievable victory that can generate momentum for broader regional initiatives—a tangible success that can strengthen America’s position as it confronts more complex challenges in Ukraine, Iran, Sudan, and Libya.

  • Tue-12-2024
Tinker, Tailor, Kazakh Ties: UK Spy Trial Reveals Moscow’s Long Shadow in Kazakh Politics (December 12, 2024, The Times of Central Asia)

London’s Central Criminal Court, known as the Old Bailey, is currently hearing the trial of several Bulgarian nationals accused by the British authorities of spying for Russia’s intelligence services. The case is likely being scrutinized not only in Moscow but also in Astana, as at least two of the six alleged operations relate to Kazakhstan.

  • Tue-12-2024
Why Sri Lanka’s Minorities Voted for a Sinhalese Party (December 10, 2024, The Diplomat) (Subscription required)

In the recent general election, residents of the Tamil-dominated north signaled they are tired of ethnic politics and want development and better job opportunities.

  • Tue-12-2024
Australia Holds the Key to a Fair Deal for Timor-Leste (November 20, 2024, The Diplomat) (Subscription required)

Timor-Leste doesn’t have much, but it does have vast reserves of gas. Should it be able to be extracted in the name of climate justice?

  • Mon-12-2024
Pakistan’s Proxy War Intensifies In Kashmir – Analysis (December 9, 2024, Eurasia Review)

After an uneasy lull in violence since the abrogation of Article 370 and increased vigilance from the counterterrorism strategies by Indian security forces, Pakistan is back to fomenting trouble in the Kashmir Valley. India’s northwestern neighbour has now resorted to using terrorists and sleeper cells to disrupt peace in Jammu and Kashmir, to sabotage the democratic process in the region.

  • Tue-12-2024
Hong Kong and Xinjiang could be the core of Kazakhstan’s China strategy (December 15, 2024, South China Morning Post) (Subscription required)

Building strong ties with China has traditionally been one of Kazakhstan’s key foreign policy priorities. Astana now aims to strengthen relations not only with the country’s central leadership in Beijing but also with Hong Kong.

  • Tue-12-2024
Thriving Macao dispels doubts about "one country, two systems" (December 14, 2024, Xinhua)

Macao's success is attributed to its strong relationship with central authorities, efficient political system, rapid economic growth, significant improvements in living standards, and the harmonious coexistence of diverse ethnic groups. The "one country, two systems" policy is an ongoing experiment that continues to evolve.

  • Tue-12-2024
62 Years After the ’62 War, Where Do China and India Go From Here? (December 9, 2024, War on the Rocks)

On Dec. 3, 2024, Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar released a statement on “recent developments in the India China border areas and their implications for our overall bilateral relations…” Aksai Chin is the only region along China’s periphery where the military situation appears to be shifting from constant escalation to a path of resolution through negotiations.