Will China Dragon Bite in 2012?

Last year was a tough one for Chinese dissidents. With the Communist Party keen for stability as the leadership transition unfolds, 2012 could well be worse.

The Coming U.S.-India Train Wreck

Differences over Iran threaten to undermine the progress made on U.S. relations with India. Can New Delhi be persuaded to apply more pressure on Tehran?

Asia Overreacts to U.S. Military Pivot

Despite the warnings from China, the Pentagon’s Defense Strategic Guidance offers few surprises. Change has been coming for a while.

Burma’s Business Revolution

Burma won’t be making iPads anytime soon. But the country’s size and location mean that international businesses are still circling in hopes the current reforms stick.

Bangkok’s Flooding Nightmare

Flooding across Thailand has claimed more than 500 lives and forced tens of thousands to evacuate. Here, local photographers share images of the impact of the rising waters.

Iran’s Asymmetric Threat

Iran’s navy may not be a match for the U.S. on the high seas, but the Strait of Hormuz offers plenty of ways for it to make life tricky.

Central Asia Security
China Set for Goldilocks Landing?

China will likely manage a soft landing in 2012. But economic imbalances in the Year of the Dragon will challenge the Communist Party.

East Asia Economy
Kim Jong-un’s Dangerous Brother

Kim Jong-nam’s vocal criticism of his brother’s ascension to power in North Korea poses an early challenge to the new leader – and puts China in a tricky position.

East Asia Security
Beijing Foreign Policy Hurts China

The Chinese Communist Party’s placement of regime security over national security interests is typical of autocracies. It’s also very dangerous.

East Asia Society
Iran: Between U.S. and a Hard Place

Iran’s supreme leader has built much of his legitimacy around demonizing the United States. So what could he offer in talks with the U.S.?

Central Asia Politics