Asia and the Pacific
-
Soviet Collapse, Chechen Wars, Ethnic Relations. A Discussion With Alexander Verkhovsky
BY CYRIL BABEEV – Cyril Babeev interviews SOVA Center director Alexander Verkhovsky on ethnic relations after the Soviet Union’s collapse, and the two Chechen Wars that were closely linked to questions of national identity in the early days of the Russian Federation.
-
Xi Faces Mounting Problems as CCP Issues His Strongest Mandate Yet
BY VICTORIA JONES & CAROLINE SUTTON – China’s human rights record has led Western countries to boycott the 2022 Beijing Olympics. As China alienates those abroad, the CCP signals with a “historical resolution” that there will be no change in leadership.
-
A History of the Saudi-Sino Relationship and Its Future Aspirations
BY ADNAN NASSER – China and Saudi Arabia have worked diligently to look beyond their bitter history defined by Cold War politics. As the global balance of power continues to shift, this relationship is one to watch.
-
Zalmay Khalilzad’s Troubled History With Afghanistan
BY SAJJAN M. GOHEL & VICTORIA JONES – In light of Zalmay Khalilzad’s recent resignation as US Special Envoy to Afghanistan, Sajjan M. Gohel and Victoria Jones trace his problematic role in American diplomacy across decades.
-
“Nobody Knew We Existed:” LGBTQ Voices From Afghanistan
BY VICTORIA JONES – The Afghan LGBTQ community has always faced hardship, but the return of Taliban rule has put their lives in even greater immediate danger. Victoria Jones speaks with activists Najib Faizi and Artemis Akbary about the path that LGBTQ Afghans are charting for themselves in this latest reality.
-
When Do Americans Give Up?
BY CAROLINE SUTTON – America’s haphazard withdrawal from Afghanistan has allies questioning whether the US will honor its defense commitments. Caroline Sutton explains what this means for Taiwan and the threat of war with China.
-
America Is Going the Same Way as the Soviets in Afghanistan
BY SAJJAN M. GOHEL & VICTORIA JONES – The Soviet withdrawal was a disaster. The U.S. version looks eerily similar.
-
Unveiling Uzbekistan: The Photography of Umida Akhmedova
BY KIKI GRAY – Liberated or stuck in the past? Modern or traditional? The photography of Umida Akhmedova offers a glimpse into the lives of women in Uzbekistan.
-
Alaska: The Watershed for Pacific Diplomacy?
BY DAVID TANG – Face-to-face talks between top American and Chinese diplomats are being held this week in Alaska, of all places. David Tang examines the deeper symbolism behind the location, 80 years after a failed attempt to avert war between the US and Japan.
-
A Passage to India?
BY ED HARVEY – As post-Brexit Britain reshuffles its foreign policy priorities, Ed Harvey discusses the ultimate obstacle in the UK’s relations with India: its colonial past.