In recent years, the Indo-Pacific has emerged as the most geopolitically charged region in the world, with the shifting power dynamics between the United States, China, and regional powers like the Philippines playing a central role in shaping global security. As tensions continue to rise over contested maritime territories in the South China Sea and…
Recently, the Philippines has taken a decisive step to assert its territorial rights in the South China Sea by preparing to release an updated map that reflects its maritime entitlements in line with the 2016 arbitral ruling and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This new map is a clear…
The transfer of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to the People’s Republic of China on July 1, 1997, marked the end of 156 years of British rule and the beginning of a new era for the region as a special administrative region (SAR) of China. This transition was governed by the “one country, two…
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…
Religious sites around the world have often found themselves at the heart of some of history’s most intense conflicts, where the convergence of faith, culture, history, and national identity fuels long-standing tensions. These sacred spaces, revered by various communities for their profound spiritual importance, frequently become contested symbols of heritage and power. The disputes surrounding…
In the heart of Northern Mindanao, where strategic interests and regional security converge, lies a key installation often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts—Lumbia Air Base. This seemingly unremarkable airstrip has quietly evolved from its modest beginnings into a crucial hub for military operations in Mindanao. As tensions and conflicts shape the landscape of the…
The British have long established a reputation as experts in discretion in a world where information flows more quickly than ever before and privacy appears to be more elusive than ever. Imagine the scene of a traditional British tea party: a setting where civil discourse is interspersed with hushed tones and discreet glances, and where…
“The Study of History lies at the foundation of all sound Military Conclusion & practice” (Alfred Thayer Mahan) Alfred Thayer Mahan, a U.S. naval officer and historian, was hailed by John Keegan as “the most important American strategist of the nineteenth century.” His seminal work, The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783, garnered immediate…
On April 21, 2024, South Korea voiced strong disapproval over Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit and offering at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine, a site that Beijing and Seoul view as a symbol of Japan’s historical military aggression. The shrine commemorates around 2.5 million war dead, including 14 Japanese wartime leaders convicted as war criminals by…
Have you ever pondered why the Philippines stands out more in contrast to its neighbouring nations? The Filipino are globally recognized for their warm and hospitable demeanour. They embody hospitality to the fullest extent. Their smiles shine as brightly as their tropical sun, and their hearts are as vast as their archipelago. Within their communities,…
