Tag: Geopolitics • Security

There is no intellectual justification for the West’s obsession with labeling China experts as “hawks” or “doves.” Rooted in Cold War binaries, it prevents viable policy and mirrors the very friend-enemy dichotomy liberal democracies claim to reject. An alternative framework—“autocracy competence”—combines the desire for cooperation with an awareness of systemic autocratic limitations. Key takeaways: Drop… Continue reading Why the China “hawk-dove” framing is an own goal; “autocracy competence” points the way

Japan is adopting a more assertive cybersecurity posture, reflecting the broader transformation of its defense strategy. Key takeaways: Japan has navigated its pacifist constitutional constraints to implement an “active cyber defense” strategy, marking a shift from primarily preventive measures to proactive threat mitigation. Cybersecurity has evolved from an economic and infrastructure concern to a central… Continue reading Japan’s shifting perceptions of cybersecurity

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s early diplomacy underscores Japan’s emerging strategic posture: tightening the alliance with the United States, sustaining pragmatic dialogue with South Korea, and pushing back against China’s assertiveness. Her actions indicate continuity in Japan’s outward-looking security strategy, only with sharper edges and a more pronounced role in regional affairs. Key takeaways: Despite her… Continue reading Assertion and alignment: Sanae Takaichi and Japan’s new strategic posture