COMMENTARIES

22 Dec 2020

The “Indo-Pacific” is Here to Stay

Daljit Singh

While the aspirational adjectives that prefix it may change, the Indo-Pacific will better reflect the strategic geography of the new era of great power contestation.

4 Jun 2020

Visiting Forces Agreement: Uncle Sam Still Welcome for Another Year

Ian Storey

The Philippines has suspended the planned termination of the 1998 Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States. But the alliance is not out of the woods yet.

Philippine Philippine-U.S. Relations Security

10 Mar 2020

Duterte’s ‘Independent’ Foreign Policy: Independence from Criticism

Malcolm Cook

The Duterte administration has stressed the independent nature of its foreign policy. Apparently, this has been equated to freedom from foreign criticism.

Philippine Philippine-U.S. Relations Security

17 Feb 2020

Manila’s VFA Termination: A Win for China and Russia

Ian Storey

Manila’s decision to withdraw from the 1998 Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States will benefit China and Russia. Russia’s attempt to cozy up to the Philippines, however, might not be wholly welcomed by Beijing.

Philippine Philippine-U.S. Relations Security

27 Nov 2019

Thailand’s New Security Plan Highlights Threats to the Throne

Supalak Ganjanakhundee

Years of political turmoil and ingrained problems such as inequality, corruption and and inefficient administration have led to declining faith in the monarchy. This has widened political divisions in Thailand - an issue so serious that it has become the focus of Thailand's latest security plan.

Security Thailand