(Analysis) DPRK-Russia-China Economic Triangle

In a shifting world order marked by Sino-American competition, the DPRK’s gradual easing of border restrictions and its evolving economic alignment with China and Russia are significant developments. As we delve deeper into this geopolitical landscape, the DPRK’s strategy to engage with these key neighbors and reduce reliance on the broader international community becomes more apparent. Explore the complexities and implications of this evolving dynamic in this analysis.

Security Watch: What implications does the Niger coup d’état have for the Sahel?

On Wednesday 26 July, the head of Niger’s presidential guard, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, proclaimed himself head of state following a military pronunciamiento. By this time, the elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, from Niger’s Arab ethnic minority, was sequestered and removed from his presidential palace. This power grab risks upsetting the security and geopolitical balance in the Sahel, which has already been weakened by terrorist movements and the arrival of the Russian armed group Wagner.

Security Watch: Can Riyadh and Tehran Achieve a Lasting Détente?

Historically rivals on both geopolitical and sectarian grounds, the tripartite agreement between Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Republic and China is a diplomatic coup that could offer prospects for growth and stability in the Arabian Peninsula over the long term.

(Analysis) Too Little Too Late? President Biden’s Syrian Policy and Regional Security Implications

Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria is undergoing a diplomatic revival. Nations that ostracized Assad after the outbreak of the nation’s civil war in 2011, such as Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have all agreed to normalize relations with him. Assad was also reinstated as a member of the Arab League on May 9 after twelve years of suspended membership.

Post Conflict Era: The Future of the EU Strategic Autonomy

The Russo-Ukraine conflict has strengthened the EU’s will to seek strategic autonomy. However, the EU’s reliance on the US and NATO for security may halt further plans for strategic autonomy.

(Analysis) Assessing the Added Value of European Engagement with Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia locates at the core of the wider Indo-Pacific region and embraces one of the globe’s most crucial bodies of water for maritime trade, the South China Sea. Being also home to vibrantly growing economies, the region holds great strategic importance for most global players. This includes the European Union (EU), whose interests in such a faraway area are of vital importance and include both economic relationships and regional security.

Editor’s Note: Takeaways from the Poland Missile Incident on NATO’s Readiness

Two Polish citizens were killed when an alleged Russian missile crashed in a Polish village. What takeaways does the incident offer about NATO’s readiness?

[Analysis] A Fortified or Pearsonian Middle Power? Canada’s Strategic Dilemma with Hard Power Politics

In this final entry of a three-part analysis, the article proposes how Canada can posture itself as a multi-peripheral middle power through the incorporation of hard power politics into its national security and defence planning and operations.

[ANALYSIS] Japan-France Bilateral Partnership: What Future Direction for Strategic and Non-Traditional Security Cooperation?

France and Japan have long maintained close political and economic ties. Growing competition from China on the economic and security fronts, coupled with the increasing concern over the effects of climate change, requires France and Japan, two nations in the Indo-Pacific region and members of the G7, to leverage their cooperation to safeguard peace and stability of this maritime zone.

[ANALYSIS] A Multi-Peripheral Middle Power: Strategizing Canada’s Next Security & Defence Policy

In this second entry of a three-part analysis, the article demonstrates how Canada should develop a new national strategy for security & defence by establishing itself as a multi-peripheral middle power.