A coherent, flexible Indo-Pacific strategy—firmly rooted in European values and interests as well as in the realities, needs, and priorities of the region—is crucial if the EU is to remain an influential player in this key arena of the 21st century. This requires regional and sector-specific approaches tailored to different subregions and countries, within an… Continue reading From strategy to action: The European Union in the Indo-Pacific
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
Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has broken a barrier that stood for centuries — but her victory signals continuity more than change. A conservative shaped by Shinzo Abe’s legacy, she inherits a fractured political landscape and a public exhausted by corruption and stagnation. Her rise is historic, yet her agenda suggests Japan is… Continue reading A woman takes power in Japan for the first time in history. Is there really reason to celebrate?
Key takeaways: Neither Indonesia nor Vietnam has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and both continue to deepen cooperation with Moscow. Indonesia and Vietnam explicitly include Russia in their hedging strategies, pursuing independent foreign policies to strengthen their international standing. Russia relies primarily on security, energy, and nuclear diplomacy to consolidate its presence in the region.… Continue reading The Russia card: How Jakarta and Hanoi leverage Moscow amid great power rivalry
