Tag: international relations
110 articles
Midterms to Shape Fate of US Military Aid to Ukraine
The fate of US military aid to Ukraine hangs in the balance of the midterms, with the outcome determining not only if aid flows, but how quickly it reaches Kyiv. If Democrats take control of the House, Rep. Jim Himes vows they'll act fast to get vital assistance to Ukraine.
US, Denmark, and Greenland Sign Arctic Security Pact, Easing Tensions
In a significant move to ease tensions, the US, Denmark, and Greenland have signed a groundbreaking Arctic security pact, hailed by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen as an agreement that "can last forever". This deal is set to benefit all parties involved, including the US, Greenland, Denmark, and the NATO alliance.
World War III Looms, Ellwood Warns, Without Urgent Global Strategy Shift
The world is on the brink of a catastrophic shift, with outdated battle strategies and a crumbling international order threatening to spark World War III, unless a drastic global strategy overhaul occurs. British politician and former army officer Tobias Ellwood warns that the old world order is dead or dying, and urgent action is needed.
US Absence Disrupts Global Talks on Civilian Protections in Combat
As the US sits out crucial talks on protecting civilians in combat, a pressing question lingers: are we ready to tackle this problem and make a real difference? The absence of the US from a NATO meeting in Brussels has left many wondering when those who care about mitigating civilian harm can come together to find a solution.
Poland, Canada forge defense pact, near drone deal finalization
Poland and Canada are taking their defense partnership to the next level with a new pact that cements their commitment to joint exercises, military training, and stronger ties. The agreement was sealed by Poland's Minister of National Defence, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, and his Canadian counterpart, David J. McGuinty, ahead of a major defense trade show.
Australia, Japan Forge Model for Middle-Power Cooperation
Australia and Japan are forging a powerful model for middle-power cooperation, leveraging their combined economic, political, and security strengths to drive institution-building in the Indo-Pacific region. By championing principles like the rule of law, open markets, and freedom from coercion, these two leading democracies are setting a compelling example for others to follow.
UN Institutions Face Test on Taiwan's Status.
As the UN General Assembly convenes, a pressing question looms: will institutions like the UN assert their authority to interpret their own rules, or will external forces dictate the terms? The fate of Taiwan's status hangs in the balance, tied to the interpretation of Resolution 2758.
China's Economic Coercion Erodes Sovereign Decision Space
Ten years on, a resounding endorsement of a landmark arbitral award has been issued by 14 governments, including global powers like Australia, Japan, the UK, and the US, alongside a united statement from the European Union, yet a deafening silence from others raises questions about the complex forces at play.
China Asserts Influence at Pacific Islands Forum
Leaders from across the Pacific have gathered in Koror, Palau, for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Meeting, united by a bold vision to build stronger economies and transform lives. With nearly 30% of the world's exclusive economic zones lying beneath the Pacific's waves, the stakes are high for creating jobs, infrastructure, and opportunities that can overcome the region's unique challenges.
Shanghai Cooperation Organization Grapples with Internal Tensions
As the Shanghai Cooperation Organization celebrates 25 years, its impressive trade growth - intra-SCO trade hit $725 billion in 2024, up from $463 billion in 2021 - belies internal tensions and security challenges that threaten its future. Can the SCO overcome its rivalries and deliver on its promise, or will its achievements remain largely symbolic?
CIA Director Warns Putin Against NATO Incursion
CIA Director John Ratcliffe made a bold move with a surprise visit to Moscow, delivering a clear and direct message to President Putin: think twice before making a move on NATO countries. The warning comes at a critical moment, heightening tensions between Washington and Moscow.
Japan's Air Self-Defense Force Expands Reach with First Fighter Deployment to India
In a historic move, Japan's Air Self-Defense Force is set to make its first-ever fighter deployment to India, sending three F-2A fighters and 110 personnel to the country in September for a joint exercise. This landmark deployment is a testament to the strengthening defense ties between Tokyo and New Delhi.
China's J-16 Fighters Debut in Africa with Egypt Joint Drills
China's J-16 fighter jets have made their debut in Africa, traveling over 6,000 kilometers to join Egyptian forces for a joint training exercise, marking a significant upgrade in their overseas deployment. This milestone moment showcases China's growing military reach and capabilities.
ASPI Forges Australia-Indonesia Ties Through Sustained Dialogue
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong's bold declaration that Indonesia is Australia's most crucial partner underscores the significance of their relationship - one that has ebbed and flowed over 25 years, with ASPI playing a pivotal role in nurturing dialogue and understanding between the two nations. Through sustained engagement, ASPI has helped keep the lines of communication open, even in tough times, and encouraged Australian policymakers to see Indonesia as a valued partner.
UN's Absence Exposes Gaps in Global Crisis Mediation
The UN's quiet absence from major diplomatic crises has become the new norm, leaving a void that's being filled by unexpected regional players like Oman, Qatar, Turkey, and Pakistan, who are stepping up to mediate global conflicts. They're proving to be surprisingly effective, with Oman acting as a trusted backchannel between the US and Iran, and Qatar brokering high-stakes talks between the US and the Taliban.
Australia Bolsters Philippines Defence Ties Amid South China Sea Tensions
In a show of solidarity, Australia and the Philippines are strengthening their defence ties, with a recent high-level visit underscoring their shared commitment to upholding rights and freedoms in the South China Sea. The move comes as the region faces rising tensions, with both nations vowing to turn rhetoric into action.
Vietnam Seeks Leverage as Australia Pursues Shared Interests
Vietnam's top leader, To Lam, is in Australia for a strategic state visit, seeking to supercharge his nation's growth by diversifying partnerships and unlocking new opportunities for trade and investment. He's on a mission to turn friendly ties into tangible benefits, leveraging Australia's strengths to fuel Vietnam's economic transformation.
Iran War Reshapes Regional Arms Sales Dynamics
Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Farnborough Airshow as Breaking Defense's Multimedia Director Daniel Woolfolk takes you on a tour of the grounds. In this episode of The Break Out, Daniel gives you a firsthand glimpse of the action on the show floor.
Iran and Oman Forge Deal to Control Strait of Hormuz Transit
Iran and Oman are cooking up a plan to shake up shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with vessels entering the Persian Gulf taking one route near Iran's coast and those leaving taking another near Oman. The proposed deal would also involve service fees to cover environmental impact, cargo security, and more.
China Preserves Sovereignty Disputes as Strategic Assets
China has consistently maintained that a decade-old tribunal ruling, which rejected the legal basis for its claims within the nine-dash line, is "null and void" - a stance that has remained unchanged despite ongoing criticism and diplomatic pressure. This unwavering position highlights the strategic value Beijing places on sovereignty disputes.
China Asserts Maritime Ambitions as Global Attention Wanes
China is redefining its maritime boundaries, subtly challenging the UN's Law of the Sea framework by downplaying its significance as the sole authority, instead positioning it as just one of several key players in global ocean governance. This reinterpretation marks a notable shift in China's approach to maritime law.
US Allies Steward Global Order Amid Hegemonic Uncertainty
As global uncertainty grows, Japan and Australia are taking bold steps to shore up the international order, with a landmark agreement between the two nations marking a new era of cooperation. By strengthening ties with each other and with the US, key allies are proactively working to preserve a stable world order.
NATO's Indo-Pacific Ties Endure Beyond Summit Absences
Despite the high-profile absences at the recent NATO Summit, the alliance's ties with Indo-Pacific partners remain strong. For the second year in a row, leaders from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea missed the summit, but the relationship endures.
US Shakes Five Eyes Alliance
Tensions are rising between the US and Canada, putting the Five Eyes Alliance to the test, as the Canadian government asserts its sovereignty in the face of a sensitive diplomatic incident. A recent meeting between separatist leaders from Alberta and US officials in Washington, D.C. has sparked concerns.