In The News

War Actually Is an Alternative to Iran Deal

Philip Gordon August 14, 2015
The Obama administration, along with other nations, negotiated an agreement with Iran on halting its nuclear research program for a limited time and allowing inspections. Opponents urge rejection, suggesting a better agreement can be reached, with Iran capitulating to broader US demands. The opponents scoff at US President Barack Obama’s conclusion that the alternative is more war in the Middle...

Ashraf Ghani's Bold Move for Taliban Peace

David Loyn July 10, 2015
The Afghan government and Taliban, accompanied by representatives of the Haqqani network, met for peace talks. The Taliban demand closure of all foreign bases, a prisoner exchange and end to a United Nations blacklist on travel for individuals. The government expects the insurgents to respect women’s rights; all members of the Afghan delegation were male. “The presence of US and Chinese diplomats...

China’s Global Governance Challenge

Stephen S. Roach June 9, 2015
China is preparing for a broader role in leading Asia on economic development and world affairs. The nation has long been an active member of global organizations including the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and others, and now is “engaged in global institution building of its own” with the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank, or AIIB, writes Stephen S. Roach, author, former...

In Modi’s Mongolia Pivot, a Test of Indian Soft Power

P. Stobdan May 20, 2015
Mongolia is among Asia’s more vibrant democracies, long influenced by Indian culture. Such cultural ties are invaluable as countries compete for influence in Asia, suggests Phunchok Stobdan, a former Indian ambassador writing for the Wire. He details many reasons for forging strong ties with the landlocked country of 3 million including its central location in Asia, surrounded by Russia and China...

The Evolving Jihad in South Asia

Arif Rafiq April 10, 2015
Improving ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan threatens extremists in both nations and in the neighborhood: “Pakistani Taliban factions are closing ranks; al-Qaeda aims to subvert peace talks between Kabul and the Afghan Taliban; and jihadists connected to the Islamic State appear to be seeking to establish a foothold in the region through sectarian violence,” writes strategic political and...

History Without Borders

Peter C. Perdue February 24, 2015
The conflicts of the modern world are deeply rooted in centuries of history. Historians and social scientists could do more to develop research across disciplinary, regional and national boundaries, argues Peter Perdue, professor of history at Yale University. “Everyone knows that we live in a globalized world, but the history profession stands out among academic disciplines for defining its...

An Afghan Dilemma for China and India

Harsh V. Pant December 4, 2014
As most western troops withdraw from Afghanistan, the new nation’s President Ashraf Ghani is promising reform, development and an end to poverty. But he needs help and has also quickly reached out to Pakistan, China and India – expecting Afghanistan’s neighbors to work for lasting stability, explains Harsh V. Pant, author and professor of international relations. The two major powers, China and...