Russia’s war: what a difference a year makes

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Vladimir Putin’s “special military operation” in Ukraine is approaching its first anniversary. The war being fought by Russian forces today is, however, very different from that being fought when Russia first invaded Ukraine. In February 2022, the Russian attack on Kiev — seemingly aimed at bringing about regime change in Ukraine — soon faltered. It […]Continue Reading

Myanmar’s economic disaster bleeds deep and wide

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In: Asia, Business

After nearly two years of military rule, Myanmar remains trapped in conflict, facing increasing political instability and a growing humanitarian crisis. While businesses and the labor market had already been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, post-coup instability has done even more damage to Myanmar’s economy. This began with a cash shortage, rapid depreciation of the kyat against […]Continue Reading

China’s fighter pilots rushed into anti-US action

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In: Asia
An undated photo shows two Chinese jet fighters during a military drill in the South China Sea. Photo AFP/Stringer

China’s newly-trained fighter pilots are being rushed into action to intercept increasing foreign reconnaissance flights, according to recent news reports. This gives its novice pilots operational experience, reveals China’s responses to air incursions by the US and its allies, and adds new impetus to China’s reforms to its pilot training program. Last week, South China […]Continue Reading

Fukushima radioactive water release not such a big deal

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In: Asia

Over ten years ago, a tsunami triggered a disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant on Japan’s east coast. After the accident, large amounts of radioactivity contaminated the ocean leading to the imposition of a marine exclusion zone and huge reputational damage to the regional fishing industry. Huge volumes of contaminated water have accumulated […]Continue Reading