North Korea held local elections on July 19, for the first time since Kim Jong-un took power in December 2011. The elections for people’s assemblies were held in provincial (municipal), city (district), and county level, with the number of seats…
On the podcast this week we take a broader look at developments in the Philippines. Sumitro Chair Fellow Gregory Poling joins to discuss the candidates for next year’s election and what challenges Manila faces in ensuring both economic growth and…
By Phuong Nguyen & Rui Hao Puah Prime Minister Najib Razak is facing serious challenges to his power. He faces criminal charges over allegations of his involvement in the mismanagement and corruption at state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB),…
By Gregory Poling Ongoing troubles in the West Papua region, and the unwanted attention they have garnered, are a sore spot for Indonesian authorities. They undermine the larger narrative of an Indonesia finally at peace with itself, consolidating its democracy…
By Ben Schaare Angry protests outside of Nauru’s Parliament building on June 16 over alleged government corruption are evidence of Nauruans’ serious concerns about the government’s continued disregard for the rule of law. As its largest aid donors and Pacific…
By John Juenemann As the Cambodian government prepares to finalize the draft Law on Associations and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), which has faced severe criticisms from international rights groups, Cambodia’s civil society – one of Asia’s most vibrant – risks taking…
On this week’s podcast, CSIS Freeman Chair in China Studies Christopher Johnson joins to take stock of the U.S.-China relationship and previews what to expect at the bi-lateral Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED) from June 23-24. Then we turn to…
By Ernest Bower As they face the new geopolitical realities of the twenty-first century, the United States and Japan will be required to modernize and reorient their alliance toward deeper engagement in the Indo-Pacific, with particular emphasis on strengthening ASEAN.…
Who is he? Sato Kilman, 57, is the new prime minister of Vanuatu. He is assuming the post of prime minister for the third time in five years. Kilman most recently served as foreign minister to the man he ousted…
On this week’s podcast, CSIS Wadhwani Chair Richard Rossow joins to assess Secretary of Defense Ash Carter’s visit to Delhi and explains what the renewed defense framework agreement means for the future of U.S.-India military ties. We also review the region’s news and share our one…