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"Still, Lam chose the worst possible moment to try to rush the bill through and “badly mismanaged” the issue, wrote the former British diplomat Charles Parton, a senior associate fellow at the U.K.-based Royal United Services Institute. Not only did it virtually coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown—traditionally marked by heightened emotions and a public vigil in Hong Kong—but it was equally risky to court potential unrest so close to the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China on Oct. 1, 1949. "
Ich Bin Ein Hong Konger
In The News, 16 July 2019 Tags: China, Pacific
The Evolution of Online Violent Extremism in Indonesia and the Philippines
Other Publications, 10 July 2019
Nava Nuraniyah
This paper outlines the evolving use of online platforms by pro-Daesh groups in Indonesia and the Philippines and how this has enabled extremists to develop and strengthen their networks.
Tags: Cyber, The Global Research Network on Terrorism and Technology, Terrorism, Pacific
"Russia and China have often competing, but occasionally overlapping political, economic and security interests in countries across the world. These interests can converge in places, such as the Arctic, or diverge, as in their growing competition on the arms market, and as they compete for global recognition as powerful political players. Central Asia is often overlooked as a theatre in which Russian and Chinese interests come together, and where the five republics are caught between the influences of these two large powers. "
The battle for hearts and minds in Central Asia: Russia vs. China
In The News, 26 June 2019 Tags: China, International Security Studies, Russia, Europe, Pacific
The UK and India in the Maritime Domain: Prospects for Integration and Cooperation
Conference Reports, 24 June 2019
Aaditya Dave
In February 2019, RUSI and Carnegie India hosted a dialogue that explored possibilities for maritime cooperation between India and the UK in the Indo-Pacific region.
Tags: International Security Studies, India, UK, Global Security Issues, International Institutions, Maritime Forces, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding, Pacific
"Cathy Haenlein talks to BBC Newshour about saiko fishing in Ghana. [From 35:45] "
BBC Newshour 22/06/19
In The News, 22 June 2019 Tags: China, Terrorism and Conflict, Africa, Pacific
Shangri-La Dialogue: Europe Navigating Asia Amidst a US–China Standoff
Commentary, 20 June 2019
Veerle Nouwens
This year’s Annual Shangri-La Dialogue set the stage for confrontation between China and the US. The now former US Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan launched Washington’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, while China upped its participation by being represented at ministerial level for the first time since 2011. The message of both protagonists was clear – neither the US nor China is backing...
Tags: Asia, China, International Security Studies, European Union, France, UK, Global Security Issues, International Institutions, Law and Ethics, Maritime Forces, Europe, PacificPages

America First Now or America Last Later?
Commentary, 15 May 2017Peter Roberts and Veerle Nouwens
The Trump administration appears eager to change its position frequently, keeping both friends and adversaries on their toes. The snag is that, at least for the moment, allies are more rattled than potential enemies.
China, United States, Americas, Pacific
China: Understanding Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative
Commentary, 12 May 2017Raffaello Pantucci
A great deal of rhetoric is expended over China’s gigantic investment initiatives. Still, many of the economic projects are real, and Western governments will be well advised to understand their purpose.
China, New Silk Road, Pacific
ASEAN at 50: Time for a Stronger Political and Security Community
Commentary, 4 May 2017Veerle Nouwens
ASEAN is navigating the choppy waters of regional power struggles as it marks a successful half-century.
Pacific
The ‘Celestial Empire’ Looks to Space
Commentary, 24 February 2017Veerle Nouwens and Alexandra Stickings
A new Chinese White Paper on the country’s space policy raises a number of questions regarding both its role as a space power and the links between its peaceful exploration and use as a military domain.
Aerospace, China, Pacific
Trump’s Response to North Korea’s Latest Missile Test
Commentary, 13 February 2017Emil Dall
US President Donald Trump’s reaction to North Korea’s latest missile launch is consistent with policies pursued by the Obama administration. But the president will need to be better prepared if Pyongyang crosses the red line and successfully develops a long-range missile capability.
Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, US Defence Policy, North Korea, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, PacificPages

A Reality Check after Thailand's King Bhumibol
RUSI Journal, 21 December 2016Nicholas Farrelly
Thailand is entering an uncertain period following the death of its popular king.
RUSI Journal, Global Security Issues, Pacific
Book Review: Post-War Japan as a Sea Power: Imperial Legacy, Wartime Experience and the Making of a Navy
RUSI Journal, 30 November 2016Lindsay Black
Lindsay Black reviews Post-War Japan as a Sea Power: Imperial Legacy, Wartime Experience and the Making of a Navy, by Alessio Patalano.
RUSI Journal, Japan, History, Maritime Forces, Pacific
UK–China Cooperation on Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations
RUSI Journal, 30 November 2016Edward Schwarck
Bilateral cooperation on non-combatant evacuation operations is part of China’s renewed focus on defence engagement.
China, RUSI Journal, UK, Defence Policy, Global Security Issues, UK Defence, Europe, Pacific
Indonesia and the South China Sea
RUSI Newsbrief, 24 May 2016John McBeth
Will Indonesia’s aspirations to become a regional maritime power set it on a collision course with China?
China, RUSI Newsbrief, Global Security Issues, Maritime Forces, Pacific
Europe’s ‘Principled Pragmatism’ on the South China Sea
RUSI Newsbrief, 23 May 2016Theresa Fallon
As China flexes its muscles in the South China Sea, the EU is trying to balance supporting the rule of law with its need to maintain good relations with Beijing.
China, RUSI Newsbrief, Maritime Forces, Europe, PacificPages

""Given the number of women who have traveled from other countries to Syria/Iraq, including from the West, it is unsurprising that Singapore has experienced a case of female radicalization," Winterbotham told CNN in an email. "Families have been central to the creation of the Islamic State (ISIS) with a focus on creating infrastructure and society through citizens living under strict sharia law. Women have therefore been sought as citizens, to marry fighters, mother children, and propagandize.""
Preschool assistant is the 1st woman ever detained for radicalization in Singapore
In The News, 12 June 2017 Tags: International Security Studies, Pacific
"“China needs to not only worry about walking into political traps leading to investment loss, but also worry about security of staff and assets,” said Raffaello Pantucci, director of international security studies at the Royal United Services Institute. “You are looking at parts of the world where you have politically risky and unstable governments, a variety of security threats, and a government in Beijing which has little clear skill or experience in managing these problems.”"
Chinese firms wary of political risks on Xi’s ‘Belt and Road’ plan
In The News, 25 May 2017 Tags: China, International Security Studies, Global Security Issues, Pacific
"Veerle Nouwens, an Asia analyst at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies in London, said the summit invitation was a goodwill gesture to get North Korea back into the international community. “The forum could be an initiative by Beijing to encourage North Korea to rejoin the world. It has traditionally advocated economic aid in exchange for Pyongyang abandoning its nuclear and missile programmes,” she said."
North Korea expected to ask China for a break at summit
In The News, 10 May 2017 Tags: China, International Security Studies, North Korea, Global Security Issues, Pacific
"Cristina Varriale, an expert in nuclear proliferation at the Royal United Services Institute, said: “The development of an ICBM would be particularly concerning for South Korea and Japan, because once the US know they can be targeted at home that may change their calculus as to whether they are prepared to help defend those countries if they are attacked by North Korea.”"
Tensions escalate as defiant North Korea 'makes unsuccessful missile launch' day after massive show of strength
In The News, 15 April 2017 Tags: Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, North Korea, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, Pacific
"Cristina Varriale on North Korea's latest ballistic missiles launches and the death of Kim Jong Nam, half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un."
North Korea-No Laughing Matter
In The News, 7 March 2017 Tags: Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, North Korea, Global Security Issues, Pacific
Diversity in the UK's Intelligence Agencies
Financing Right-Wing Extremism and Terrorism
New UK Government Initiative to Support High-Risk, High-Reward Military Science Needs Refinement