In the grand arena of global economics, two regions stand out for their undeniable influence: the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Both are formidable power blocs, yet their origins, trajectories, and current challenges could not be more different. While the EU represents a legacy of post-war unity and industrial…
In a world teetering on the edge of uncertainty, one question has become the linchpin of global stability: Will China invade Taiwan? With tensions escalating at a pace unseen in decades, East Asia has become the focal point of a potential crisis that could ripple across continents, destabilizing economies, upending alliances, and potentially igniting a…
On a moonlit night in the Sulu Sea, a fisherman casts his net off the coast of Balabac Island, Palawan. The glow of his lantern reflects the pristine waters, but beneath this tranquil surface lies a story of immense strategic importance, one that ties this idyllic island to global geopolitics. Balabac Island, often called the…
The recent resupply mission by the Philippines, which took place from December 3-14, 2024, vividly captures the simmering tensions in the South China Sea. Delivering essential supplies and holiday care packages to soldiers stationed aboard the BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal, the mission drew an immediate response from China. The Chinese coast guard…
The United States has outlined a strategic plan to enhance the readiness of its Navy in preparation for potential conflict with China by 2027, with the goal of deterring aggression and protecting national security interests. The plan, known as Project 33, is aligned with China’s military buildup and its stated goal of preparing for an…
Tensions between China and the Philippines flared once again following a maritime confrontation near the contested Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, further intensifying a long-standing territorial dispute. Both nations offered conflicting accounts of the incident, highlighting the fragile state of relations in one of the world’s most strategic waterways. The Philippine government accused…
The proposed US-funded port in Batanes, Philippines, mirrors strategic initiatives in other parts of the world, such as the US military presence in the Baltic states near Russia. In Eastern Europe, NATO allies have fortified their positions with bases, infrastructure, and joint exercises in countries like Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, citing the need to counter…
Introduction The South China Sea is a region of immense strategic and economic importance, harboring vast hydrocarbon reserves that could reshape energy dynamics in Southeast Asia. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the region contains an estimated 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 11 billion barrels of oil in probable reserves, with…
Imagine a bustling market square, vibrant and full of life, where diverse voices come together to shape the community’s future. This square represents ASEAN, a coalition of ten nations rich in potential yet often constrained by the weight of dynastic politics. Just as some European democracies have successfully navigated similar challenges—think of countries like Germany…
To understand, why the Pacific Ocean is centre of geopolitical gravity in the 21st century, we’ll have to take a holistic look at how things evolved in the past and how they impacted the seas, the oceans and broader littoral geographies. Let us delve into the detail of it. The invention of the wheel around…
