In The News

Reuters: North, South Korea Agree to Dialogue

Christine Kim and Hyonhee Shin January 9, 2018
The start of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang is February was the catalyst for a meeting of North and South Korean diplomats. The North is making plans to send a delegation including athletes, officials, performers and reporters to the international games, and athletes from the two nations may join for the opening ceremony. “South Korea asked its neighbor to halt hostile acts that stoke...

USA Today: Pressure on Pakistan Is Test of New US Strategy to End War in Afghanistan

Jim Michaels January 5, 2018
The war in Afghanistan has been fought for more than 16 years by three US presidential administrations. The Trump administration is trying a new strategy that involves less reliance on neighboring Pakistan, and the United States has announced suspension of security assistance and military aid to that country. The administration also added Pakistan to a watch list of countries that violate...

The Times of Israel: Trump’s Mideast Policy – Diplomatic Darwinism

Raphael Ahren January 3, 2018
Showing no reticence on commenting about volatile regions or upending longstanding US policies, President Donald Trump started the year relaying a string of opinions over Twitter. “In under 100 words, he questioned America’s longstanding financial support for the Palestinian Authority, contradicted his own position on Jerusalem, and indicated that Israel would have to ‘pay’ in future peace...

The Guardian: US Will “Take Names of Those Who Vote to Reject Jerusalem Recognition”

Peter Beaumont December 20, 2017
The United Nations is an organization where small and less powerful nations can speak out against the powerful. A letter by Nikki Haley, US ambassador to the United States, could be regarded as patronizing at best and bullying at worst. She warned UN members that she would be “taking names” of countries rejecting Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israel. Jerusalem, controlled...

BBC: China Condemns US “Cold War Mentality” on National Security

December 19, 2017
A new US security policy labels China and Russia as “rival powers” that threaten US economic dominance, reports BBC News. A China spokesperson suggested that the United States is “distorting China’s strategic intentions,” and Russia responded by suggesting it “cannot accept” being regarded as a threat. The United States, in emphasizing “America first” policies, must prepare for other countries...

The Korea Times: North Korea Threatens China, Too, Notes South Korea’s Moon

Kim Rahn December 15, 2017
North Korea’s government continues to develop and test ballistic missiles – 15 this year alone – along with nuclear tests despite a flailing economy. The international community recognizes that the rogue regime is not above extortion and could nuclear weapons to coerce any country. “North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations are threats to the peace of not only South Korea but also China...

Caixin: As Global Power Shifts, US Must Win Beijing’s Cooperation

David M. Lampton December 14, 2017
Global institutions and alliances supported by the United States since 1945 have added to economic growth, lifting emerging economies and deterring conflicts, explains David M. Lampton for Caixin of Johns Hopkins University. He urges three priorities: addressing the North Korea nuclear program, trade reciprocity and economic balance of power in Asia. The United States should not ignore the One...