International disputes over offshore resources are on the rise. From the Arctic to the Eastern Mediterranean, quarrels over access rights for fish, minerals, oil, and natural gas are becoming increasingly heated.

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After a long period of stasis, Chinese politics have entered a dramatic new phase. The previous sense of inevitability about China’s internal trajectory is beginning to give way to growing unpredictability.

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North Korea’s disclosure that it was preparing a long-range rocket launch and possibly an underground nuclear bomb test should put ballistic missile defense where it belongs: squarely atop the transatlantic agenda.

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The U.S., EU and Japan have requested consultations with China at the WTO on the country’s tariffs and export quotas on rare earths elements critical to the defense industry. But the dispute will change little with regard to the dependence on China.

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While the U.S., Japan, and the EU have long histories of WTO disputes between them, they share an interest in sound global rules and in making sure China plays by the rules.

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WASHINGTON – Let’s be honest: “Rare Earths Elements” is probably the best name that has ever been given to a group of chemical elements. But rare earths elements (REE) are not actually rare. Even the rarest element of this group of 17 elements, Lutetium, is still more abundant than gold or platinum. So, why would [...]

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WASHINGTON—The Bashar al-Assad regime’s handling of the Syrian uprising may not ensure the survival of the Damascus government, but it seems set on destroying any prospects for a soft landing from the current crisis. A weakened, failed Syria would be a severe strategic threat for the regional and international orders. While the diplomatic course has [...]

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WASHINGTON, DC– One year ago this week, a magnitude-9.0 earthquake and ensuing tsunami devastated the northern Tohoku region of Japan, causing the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl. Many observers have pointed to 3/11, as it is now called, and its aftermath coming after two decades of slow economic growth as further reasons to write off [...]

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China’s announcement of a more than 11% increase in military spending raises several uncomfortable questions for Asia and the West.

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While traveling in London this past week, I could not help but to be reminded of the enormous sacrifices that have been made by nations in times of war.  It seems as though every street has a memorial to a particular war or regiment, most striking of all is The Cenotaph, an empty tomb that [...]

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