Richard Weitz writes a weekly column on Asia-Pacific strategic and security issues. He is director of the Center for Political-Military Analysis and a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute. His commentaries have appeared in the International Herald Tribune, The Guardian and Wall Street Journal (Europe), among other publications.
The U.S. risks making a serious strategic error if it neglects Russia. As the White House and Pentagon look to the Pacific, Moscow and China are making moves of their own.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s trip to India may not garner quite the same headlines her China trip did. But Iran ensures the visit may still be tricky.
Talk of a U.S. pivot toward the Asia-Pacific is being replaced with the idea of a rebalancing. Regardless, U.S. military strategy is taking on an interesting shape.
Some European nations want the 20-year embargo on sales to China lifted. Their arguments are strong, but the arguments for not lifting it are stronger.
The IAEA has confirmed almost two dozen incidents of theft or loss of fissile materials. Last week’s nuclear, though, ended with no agreement on enforcement to stop terrorists acquiring them.
Russia is playing a careful balancing game in Central Asia – stirring up worries about the U.S. military presence is just part of the game.
Worried Russia will be marginalized by China, expect Vladimir Putin to push his Eurasian Union vision – and perhaps spring a surprise over Pakistan.