<p>The Asia-Pacific is home to more people than any other region. Centered on the western rim of the Pacific Ocean, this region includes the easternmost countries of continental Asia as well as the archipelagos that punctuate the coast. Several of these countries, most notably China, experienced rapid economic growth in the second half of the 20th century, giving the region a new sense of global economic relevance that continues today. That relevance, however, depends largely on China, a power in transition whose rise is testing the network of U.S. alliances that have long dominated the region. How effectively Beijing manages its transition will shape the regional balance of power in the decades to come.</p>

Centered on the western rim of the Pacific Ocean, the Asia-Pacific region includes the easternmost countries of continental Asia as well as the archipelagos that punctuate the coast. 

Asia-Pacific

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Beyond Quantitative Easing

The New Silk Road

Modernizing China’s Military

The U.S. and the Balance of Power

Globalization

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Coping With a Nuclear North Korea

Moscow Looks to the East

China in Transition

A Japanese Awakening

Asia-Pacific: Among Great Powers

Southeast Asia: Burdened by Consensus

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U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks on reciprocal tariffs as U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick holds a chart during an event in the Rose Garden entitled ''Make America Wealthy Again'' at the White House in Washington, D.C., on April 2, 2025. 

Economics

Global Trade

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Trump's sweeping new tariffs will slow both U.S. and global economic growth, with lower-income Americans and emerging markets like Vietnam being hit hardest.

The U.S. Launches the Largest Trade War in Modern History

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On Geopolitics

Russia

Members of the Spanish and Bulgarian armed forces during the NATO exercise Steadfast Dart on Feb. 13, 2025, in Tsrancha, Bulgaria. 

Military & Security

Any U.S. retrenchment away from Europe will more likely be gradual, shaped by strategic realities, shared interests and material constraints, but this transition will still carry profound military, economic and societal implications that will deeply reshape the Continent's security landscape and accelerate the transition to a truly multipolar world.

The Future of Transatlantic Security Cooperation, Part 1: The View From Washington

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Intensifying trade wars, a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, continued volatility in the Middle East and consequential elections in key countries will shape the quarter.

2025 Second-Quarter Forecast: An Excerpt

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U.S.-Iran Relations

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People wave flags and chant slogans during a protest in front of the municipality headquarters in support of arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on March 19, 2025, in Istanbul, Turkey. 

A look at what the coming week will bring -- and a list of recommended RANE articles from the week that was.

The Weekly Rundown: U.S. To Announce Tariffs, Protests in Turkey Rage On

Snapshots

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivers a speech in parliament on the government's newly unveiled 2025-26 budget on March 25, 2025, in Canberra, Australia.

Unveiled just ahead of May elections, the budget marks a pivot to resource-driven growth, U.S.-aligned defense integration and domestic industrial development, but its durability will be tested.

Reading Between the Lines of Australia's 2025-26 Budget

India

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) walks with New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon (R) before their meeting at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, on March 17, 2025. 

U.S. tariff threats are pushing India to revamp negotiations over free trade agreements, but protectionist trade policies and other obstacles will challenge the progression of talks.

India Dusts Off Old FTA Negotiations Ahead of U.S. Tariffs

The Ta Moan Thom temple is seen on the border between Thailand and Cambodia.

While full-scale military conflict is unlikely, the dispute risks spurring localized border clashes, as both Cambodia and Thailand maintain entrenched military positions with no clear legal resolution.

Thai-Cambodian Tensions Flare Over Disputed Temple, Raising Fears of Clashes

Brazil

Iran

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (L) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a joint press conference Feb. 16 at the prime minister's office in Jerusalem. Senior Israeli officials from the security and intelligence ministries will visit the United States to discuss Iran's nuclear program and Israeli border demarcation talks with Lebanon.

The Weekly Rundown: The U.S. and Israel Coordinate on Iran, the U.K. Chancellor Seeks Fiscal Discipline

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks from the Oval Office on March 7, 2025, after announcing that tariffs could be imposed on Canadian dairy and lumber products within days. 

The expanding scope of Trump's trade wars, coupled with the whiplash of tariffs being enacted and then suspended, begs the question: what is driving this strategy and what, if anything, will constrain it?

Trump's Emerging Trade Doctrine

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is escorted by security personnel as he enters a campaign rally at Southorn Stadium in Hong Kong, China, on March 9, 2025. 

The ex-president's high-profile arrest risks factionalizing Philippine institutions and altering the landscape around May midterm elections, which will influence the country's foreign policy trajectory.

In the Philippines, Duterte's Arrest Raises the Stakes of Upcoming Elections

On April 3, Northeast Asian countries responded to U.S. baseline and reciprocal tariffs imposed on April 2.

Asia-Pacific: China Aside, Northeast Asian Countries Likely To Avoid Retaliating Against U.S. Tariffs

Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states are disproportionately impacted by U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of reciprocal tariffs on April 2, The Wall Street Journal reported April 3. 

ASEAN: Southeast Asia Most Severely Impacted Region by U.S. Tariff Hikes

Gen. He Weidong, Chinese vice chair of the Central Military Commission, has not been seen in public since March 11 and missed another public event, this time an annual People's Liberation Army tree-planting ceremony in the suburbs of Beijing, Bloomberg reported on April 2. 

China: Missing Top Military Figure Suggests Another Purge

Myanmar's military junta declared a temporary nationwide ceasefire in the country's civil war until April 22 to facilitate humanitarian relief following the recent earthquake, AP reported on April 2. 

Myanmar: Junta Declares Temporary Ceasefire Amid Earthquake Recovery Efforts

The United States approved a $5.58 billion sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets and related weapon systems and equipment to the Philippines, marking a major upgrade in Manila's air combat capabilities, Defense News reported on April 2. 

Philippines, U.S.: F-16 Sale Highlights Manila's Frontline Taiwan Role

The Chinese military announced on April 2 that it had conducted the "Strait Thunder-2025A" exercises around central and southern Taiwan, complemented by an aircraft carrier deployment east of Taiwan and live-fire drills in an area 300 kilometers (186 miles) north of Taiwan.

China, Taiwan: More Chinese Drills Around Taiwan To Follow Lai's Policies

The Chinese army's Eastern Theater Command announced on its website on April 1 that it was conducting military exercises around Taiwan, with varied operational foci, including "blocking key areas and roads."

China, Taiwan: Latest Drill Practices Blockade in Response to Lai's '17 Strategies' 

South Korea’s Constitutional Court announced that it would make a final decision on the impeachment case against President Yoon Suk Yeol on April 4, with the decision due to be broadcast live, the Korean Broadcasting System reported on April 1.

South Korea: Court Decision on Yoon's Impeachment Due April 4, Police Prepare 

Asia-Pacific

SITUATION REPORTS

Asia-Pacific: China Aside, Northeast Asian Countries Likely To Avoid Retaliating Against U.S. Tariffs

ASEAN: Southeast Asia Most Severely Impacted Region by U.S. Tariff Hikes

China: Missing Top Military Figure Suggests Another Purge

Myanmar: Junta Declares Temporary Ceasefire Amid Earthquake Recovery Efforts

Philippines, U.S.: F-16 Sale Highlights Manila's Frontline Taiwan Role

China, Taiwan: More Chinese Drills Around Taiwan To Follow Lai's Policies

China, Taiwan: Latest Drill Practices Blockade in Response to Lai's '17 Strategies'

South Korea: Court Decision on Yoon's Impeachment Due April 4, Police Prepare

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