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Shanghai

Working Group

Indo-Pacific

Navigating the tides of innovation and influence

The Working Group Indo-Pacific examines the Indo-Pacific’s strategic significance, focusing on regional security, maritime disputes, and power dynamics between the US, China, and regional players. It analyses economic integration, military cooperation, and emerging threats. Monthly briefings provide fact-based insights and visualisations on key geopolitical trends shaping the region’s security landscape.

Indo-Pacific

Working Group Leader

Spindeldreier

Benjamin

Spindeldreier

Leader

Working Group Members

Meier

Anton

Meier

Writing Expert

Sprunghofer

Clemens

Sprunghofer

Writing Expert

Hossain

Md Mubashshir

Hossain

Writing Expert

Surendran

Prannavan

Surendran

Writing Expert

Knaack

Tobias

Knaack

Writing Expert

Sudano

Antonio

Sudano

Writing Expert

Kress

Frans

Kress

Writing Expert

Krejci

Ondrej Theodor

Krejci

Writing Expert

Jadoenathmisier

Priya Jayanti

Jadoenathmisier

Writing Expert

Spindeldreier

Benjamin

Spindeldreier

Leader

de Carlos Sola

Jokin

de Carlos Sola

Writing Expert

Maxwell

Patrick

Maxwell

Writing Expert

Leung

Tin Ching

Leung

Writing Expert

Publications

Trump 2.0: What It Means for the Indo-Pacific

Challenges and Opportunities for the Indo-Pacific in Trump's New Era

1) What are the implications of Trump’s presidency for the Indo-Pacific? 2) Trump’s second term brings a mix of challenges and opportunities for the Indo-Pacific region, with implications for economy, security, and diplomatic relations 3) As Trump’s administration unfolds, countries in the region will need to adapt to his transactional approach and navigate the uncertainty his presidency may bring.

Krejci

Ondrej Theodor

Krejci

Writing Expert

Trump 2.0: What It Means for the Indo-Pacific

A Review of the Two Sessions

What to Expect in the Coming Year

1. **Main Question:** What are China's policy priorities for the coming year? 2. **Argument:** China aims for 5% GDP growth, focusing on stimulating domestic consumption and supporting private enterprises, while increasing defense spending and managing debt. 3. **Conclusion:** China faces economic challenges but is pursuing ambitious growth targets via fiscal and monetary policies and strategic sector support.

Krejci

Ondrej Theodor

Krejci

Writing Expert

Leung

Tin Ching

Leung

Writing Expert

A Review of the Two Sessions

A Chain of Retaliation

China's Strategic Shift Following Liberation Day

1.How did China adapt its strategy after the US’s Liberation Day measures? 2. China initially responded cautiously to US tariffs but, after Liberation Day, shifted towards a more intense and multifaceted counterstrategy, combining higher tariffs with diplomatic initiatives to rally international support. 3. China remains primarily reactive but has increased the intensity and scope of its responses.

Knaack

Tobias

Knaack

Writing Expert

Spindeldreier

Benjamin

Spindeldreier

Leader

A Chain of Retaliation

Navigating China after an Election

What to Expect with the New German Government

Germany’s snap election on February 23 could bring a tougher China policy under Merz, marking a clear shift from Scholz’s pragmatic approach. While Merz warns against economic dependence, Germany’s recession may force a trade-off between strategic autonomy and economic stability. With China policy increasingly shaped by Brussels, Merz must rebuild EU trust to influence the bloc’s “de-risking” strategy.

Leung

Tin Ching

Leung

Writing Expert

Navigating China after an Election

2024 - The Year the EU Discovered Southeast Asia

In 2024 both policymakers and media personalities in the EU realised the importance of Southeast Asia.

The EU has increased focus on Southeast Asia in its global strategy. The EU and ASEAN launched the €9.3 million SCOPE program for research and mobility. Southeast Asia's strategic importance offers the EU a chance to expand its influence.

de Carlos Sola

Jokin

de Carlos Sola

Writing Expert

2024 - The Year the EU Discovered Southeast Asia

China’s “Bet” on Africa?

Main Takeaways from the 2024 China-Africa Summit

China pledged 360 billion yuan ($50.7 billion) for Africa at the 2024 summit, focusing on infrastructure and green energy.

Krejci

Ondrej Theodor

Krejci

Writing Expert

China’s “Bet” on Africa?

China’s Hidden Hand?

Recent Reports of Chinese Influence in the Western World

In 2024, several Western individuals were charged with spying for China, reflecting increased detection or activity amid strained China-West relations.

Hossain

Md Mubashshir

Hossain

Writing Expert

China’s Hidden Hand?

China’s Tech Slowdown Has Widespread Consequences for the Global Market

N/A

China's tech sector faces slowing growth, falling profits, and increased uncertainty, worsened by U.S. tariffs and geopolitical tensions.

Maxwell

Patrick

Maxwell

Writing Expert

China’s Tech Slowdown Has Widespread Consequences for the Global Market

Democracy and South Asia

Study of Recent Elections

In South Asia, Bangladesh and Pakistan face election controversies; India holds fair polls despite challenges.

Ali

Ahmad

Ali

Writing Expert

Democracy and South Asia

Unlocking Asia’s Defense Potential: From Minilateral Ties to an 'Asian NATO'?

N/A

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called for an “Asian NATO” to address growing security threats. However, the proposal faces criticism from ASEAN nations.

Spindeldreier

Benjamin

Spindeldreier

Leader

Unlocking Asia’s Defense Potential: From Minilateral Ties to an 'Asian NATO'?

Indonesia's 2024 Election

The Third-Largest Democracy Under Stress Test

In Indonesia's 2024 elections, Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka claim victory amid controversy, raising concerns about democratic progress.

Sprunghofer

Clemens

Sprunghofer

Writing Expert

Indonesia's 2024 Election

Modi's Diplomatic Vision

India's Diamond and Necklace Strategy

Under PM Modi, India's Diamond and Necklace Strategy counters China in the Indo-Pacific with strategic projects and alliances, enhancing regional stability and prosperity.

Hossain

Md Mubashshir

Hossain

Writing Expert

Modi's Diplomatic Vision

North Korea

Russia's Most Important Ally?

North Korea, driven by historic ties and strategic interests, increases support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Roosberg

Aron

Roosberg

Network

North Korea

The Significance of the Japan-US Alliance amid the Evolving World Order

N/A

The USA-Japan alliance aims to balance China's power and address the Russia-Ukraine war, ensuring peace and security in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

The Significance of the Japan-US Alliance amid the Evolving World Order
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