Aaron Willschick examines the unlikely partnership between Ukraine and NATO on maritime piracy, but warns that the former Soviet state has a long way to go if it wishes to be accepted into the West.
Asia-Pacific
East Asia Region
A Tale of Two Treaties – Italy v. India
Over a year ago, on February 15, 2012, two Italian marines on board the oil tanker Enrica Lexie, shot and killed two Indian fishermen off the coast of the Arabian Sea near the Indian state of Kerala. A series of events that followed in the past year has now led to the Indian government’s refusal Read More…
Trading Humans for Robots: The Battle Against Roadside Bombs in Afghanistan and Iraq
Aaron Willschick takes a look at the technological evolution of the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars and the use of bomb ‘sniffing’ robots that are saving the lives of many soldiers.
From the Sea to the Dinner Table: Maritime Issues and National Identity
A recent sign posted on the window of a Beijing restaurant refuses to serve certain nationalities due to current international maritime disputes between state actors. Sarah Danruo Wang analyzes how historic disputes on sea (and on land) shape national identity and loyalty.
A New Asian Power: Welcoming Burma Back to the International Fold
William Zhang on Burma’s progress towards democratic reform and its reemergence on the international scene.
Looking Over Your Shoulder: NATO and the Rise of ‘Green on Blue’ Attacks in Afghanistan
Aaron Willschick looks at the increase of ‘green on blue attacks’ as the latest evidence that NATO’s best before date in Afghanistan is well past due.
Japan’s Deflating Yen: Prelude to a Global Currency War?
The government of Japan recently declared that it would be implementing drastic changes to its monetary policy, raising fears in the international community that artificial devaluation of the Japanese Yen will instigate a global currency war.
Closure of the Straits of Hormuz: A Canadian Perspective
A Canadian perspective on the closing of the Straits of Hormuz reveals that Canada, with oil reserves greater than those of Russia and Central Asia, would benefit greatly by propelling the growth of its national industry.
CNOOC-Nexen Takeover: An Update
The $15.1 billion bid for Calgary-based Nexen by China’s state-owned giant CNOOC continues to raise concerns over nationality, job displacement, and the overall net benefit for Canadians.
A Pivotal Election in Hong Kong
September witnessed crucial parliamentary elections in Hong Kong. With a Chief Executive dealing with two scandals and the future of the island’s relationship with China hanging in the balance, the results were not what many observers expected.