Analyzing Russia’s foreign policy is a difficult task because of the mixed signals coming from Moscow. In order to disentangle the rhetoric, one needs to start with the issue of the humiliation that Russia ostensibly suffered during the 1990s, which is real in the minds of leaders or at least being used more often as a tool.
In a provocative new policy brief, Ashley Tellis challenges the conventional wisdom that China’s antisatellite test (ASAT) was a protest against U.S. space policy, arguing instead that it was part of a loftier strategy to combat U.S. military superiority and one that China will not trade away in any arms-control regime.
Since 2005, when then-Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick urged China to become a “responsible stakeholder,” policymakers have tried to determine what criteria define responsible stake-holding and whether China is meeting them.
As Japan reformulates its foreign policy in the quest to assume a greater leadership role in Asia, it finds it shares an unprecedented convergence in interests, values and strategies with a rising India. The India-Japan relationship can become a key driving force in the emergence of a new security architecture in Asia based on the protection of democratic values and market principles.
Recent events show that the EU-Russia-U.S. strategic triangle has drastically changed. Both the Samara Summit and the G-8 were overshadowed by disagreements between the West and a newly-invigorated and suspicious Russia. The relationship is devoid of trust, and will most likely remain that way through 2008.
China’s soft power policy is fueled by pragmatism. Ideology has a very limited role.
Some issues surrounding the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty deserve new attention. The future of verification and transparency is especially fertile ground and demands attention, given the Bush administration’s preference to see START and its verification protocol go out of force at the end of 2009.
India, like the United States, is entering a complex geopolitical environment that is likely to survive for at least another two decades. This environment will be characterised by the continuing dominance of the United States in the global system.
Regional experts discuss the political and economic effects of the tumultuous and costly U.S.-led occupation in Iraq on the wider region. The meeting also analyzed how regional powers could help ameliorate the deteriorating situation.
Though China’s long-term strategic ambitions are unknown and unpredictable, it seems certain that Chinese leadership seeks a preponderant role in Asia. But will Beijing try to reduce or eliminate the United States' influence in the region?