In The News

China’s Soft-Power Push

David Shambaugh August 13, 2015
Investing billions in a range of soft-power endeavors, China leads on Asian trade and infrastructure initiatives and is active in a variety of global forums. “While China’s economic prowess impresses much of the world, its repressive political system and mercantilist business practices tarnish its reputation,” writes David Shambaugh, author and professor. He refers to Joseph Nye, the Harvard...

Small Burundi Could Ignite Big Conflict

Itziar Aguirre August 11, 2015
Burundi, landlocked, poor and one of Africa’s smallest nations, battles corruption and ethnic tensions. The re-election of President Pierre Nkurunziza, in defiance of the nation’s constitutional limit of two terms, may compound the challenges. “Ethnic violence could spread, threatening foreign aid, foreign investment and the credibility of international peacekeeping in Africa and destabilizing...

Temperatures in the South China Sea Continue to Rise

Gregory Poling August 6, 2015
China announced on July 20 plans to conduct military exercises in areas of the South China Sea, including those under dispute with Vietnam. “The exercises overlapped with a high-level gathering of senior officials from China and the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, in Tianjin for their ninth meeting on the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of...

China Tightens Its Two-Systems Approach for Hong Kong

Michael C. Davis August 4, 2015
A one-country, two-systems model describes China’s relationship with Hong Kong. Observers naturally can’t help but weigh the pros and cons of each system, regarding one better than the other. China is tightening controls on the mainland for human-rights advocates, educators and internet users while also denying the “high degree of autonomy” once promised to the citizens of Hong Kong as a special...

Erdogan's Cynical Game: Is Turkey Creeping Toward Civil War?

Maximilian Popp and Christoph Reuter August 4, 2015
Fellow NATO members have long urged Turkey to take action against the Islamic State terrorists in Syria and Iraq. Turkey now allows the United States to use some of its military bases to launch air strikes against the extremists. Reports suggest that Turkish air strikes are also targeting Kurd holdings, which in turn prompts protests in Turkey. Likewise, Turkey may be using a protective zone...

Turkey Launches Heaviest Air Strikes Yet on Kurdish Group

Humeyra Pamuk and Nick Tattersall July 29, 2015
With support from NATO, Turkey announced plans to hit the Islamic State terrorists hard in northern Iraq through reports suggest the nation is also attacking shelters, depots and holdings of Kurds – one of the few groups willing to supply ground troops to the battle and showing some success. Turkey also refuses to provide air cover to Kurdish fighters in Syria. By targeting Kurds, Turkey could...

Obama’s Triumphant Return to Kenya as President

John Githongo July 28, 2015
Kenyans were ecstatic welcoming Barack Obama during his first visit as US president to his father’s homeland. Obama attended the sixth Global Entrepreneurship Summit, a gathering of entrepreneurs at all levels designed to encourage economic growth and innovation. “In general, US foreign policy vis-à-vis Africa has always been transactional,” writes John Githongo, a notable journalist active in...