Security Studies
Currents Magazine: Celebrating Partnerships and Resilience
The summer edition ofCurrents, themed “Building Partnerships for Resilience,” features candid photos of Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies participants on the cover, engaging in courses, workshops, and visits that capture the theme. This issue includes a farewell...
Currents Magazine: Fostering Discussions on Regional Stability and Security
HONOLULU – The latest edition of Currents magazine, the official publication of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS), is now available. This winter’s edition, themed “Fostering Discussions on Regional Stability and Security,” features Philippine President...
Cyber Security Seminar: Sharing Experiences
The NESA Center executed its first cyber security seminar from 12–15 June 2023 in Washington, D.C., titled “Cyber Security: Sharing Experiences.” Twelve countries from the MENA region were represented. Senior U.S. officials and think-tank representatives addressed the seminar. All...
Defense Security Cooperation University Military Officer NESA Center Orientation
On Thursday, 27 July 2023, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies welcomed three U.S. military officers who attended the Defense Security Cooperation University’s (DSCU) seven-week training and education program, which includes the Fundamentals and Application of Security...
Developing Hawai’i’s Relationships with Indo-Pacific – Part One: Point Counterpoint
DKI APCSS’ Dr. Srini Sitaraman recently appeared onThink Tech Hawai’i’sspecial series “Developing Hawai’i’s Relationships with Indo-Pacific – Part One: Point Counterpoint.” The show was hosted by the former Governor of Hawaii, Mr. John Waihee. Other panelists included journalist Christopher...
Dialogue #35: Indo-Pacific Humanity and Geopolitics
Dialogue 35 with Dr. James M. Minnich and Jonathan Robinson A Sea of Need: Navigating Humanity and Geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific The idyllic turquoise waters and vibrant cultures of the Indo-Pacific often mask a harsher reality. This vast region, home to two-thirds of humanity...
Dialogue #37: The Indo-Pacific Mosaic
Beyond the Headlines: A Fresh Look at Indo-Pacific Security The Indo-Pacific—the most populous and economically dynamic region on Earth—is increasingly at the center of global security concerns. But beyond the headline-grabbing U.S.-China rivalry, a far more intricate and...
Dialogue #38 - Frontlines of Economic Warfare: Raquel Garbers on Canada’s Fight for Economic Sovereignty
Economic Warfare: Canada’s Fight for Economic Sovereignty In today’s geopolitical landscape, economic leverage is as potent as military might. Nations are increasingly waging battles through financial systems, supply chains, and technological dominance—placing Canada at the...
Dialogue #39: Myanmar’s Four-Year Struggle
On February 1, 2021, Myanmar’s military seized power, igniting a firestorm that, four years later, continues to burn. What began as peaceful protests have evolved into a complex, multi-front armed struggle, reshaping Myanmar’s future and reverberating across the Indo-Pacific. The...
Dialogue #40: Malaysia’s Maritime Shield
Malaysia’s strategic maritime position, situated between the Indian and Pacific Oceans via the vital Malacca Strait and amid the contested waters of the South China Sea, demands a robust and dynamic maritime security strategy. In an exclusive interview, maritime security expert Ms. Nor...
Dialogue #41: India’s Strategic Challenges
India finds itself at the heart of a rapidly shifting security landscape, balancing the challenges of border tensions, maritime competition, and evolving defense partnerships. In this episode of Dialogue, Dr. Srini Sitaraman, a professor at DKI APCSS and an expert on Indo-Pacific security...
Dialogue 36 | Korea’s Martial Law Fallout
Dialogue 36 with Dr. James M. Minnich and Dr. Lami Kim South Korea’s Democratic Turmoil: A Test of Resilience South Korea, often hailed as a beacon of democracy in Asia, finds itself navigating a profound political crisis that has raised questions about its democratic stability...
Dialogue Episode 34 Sri Lanka's Tide Turns with Shyam Tekwani
By Dr. James M. Minnich |December 17, 2024 Sri Lanka’s Landmark Supermajority Sri Lanka’s recent parliamentary election redefined its political landscape. The National People’s Power (NPP) party secured a historic two-thirds majority under the proportional representation...
Dialogue | Episode 43: South Asia’s Strategic Forge
Shifting Strategic Terrain South Asia is undergoing a strategic and industrial realignment that is reshaping its defense posture, regional partnerships, and security dynamics. In this episode ofDialogue, Professor Shyam Tekwani, a leading expert on South Asian security, shares...
Dialogue | Episode 45: A Conversation with Eric Olander China and the Indo-Pacific Global South
HONOLULU –(June 2, 2025)In today’s Indo-Pacific, China’s engagement with the Global South is no longer a future possibility—it is a lived reality reshaping influence, investment, and the rules of the international order. Episode 45 ofDialoguefeatures a timely exchange with Eric Olander,...
Dialogue | Episode 46: Taiwan: Democracy and Deterrence A Dialogue with Howard Shen
HONOLULU –(July 11, 2025)Taiwan today stands at a pivotal juncture where the strength of its democracy meets growing demands for deterrence. InDialogueEpisode 46, I spoke with Howard Shen, a political analyst and former foreign policy fellow at Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, to examine how the...
Dialogue | Episode 47: China’s Military Bet on the Future A Dialogue with Elsa B. Kania
HONOLULU –(July 17, 2025)In today’s contested Indo-Pacific, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is no longer simply modernizing—it is transforming. Guided by artificial intelligence, automation, and top-down political control, the PLA’s strategic shift toward “intelligentization...
Dialogue | Episode 49 Maldives: Small State, Big Stakes — A Dialogue with Dr. Andrea Malji
By Dr. James M. Minnich HONOLULU— August 12, 2025 In the contested waters of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is proving that size does not dictate influence. With just over half a million people and limited hard power, the island nation is not merely weathering great-power competition...
Dialogue | Episode 50: ROK-U.S. Alliance: The Near Future—A Dialogue with Dr. Clint Work
By Dr. James M. Minnich HONOLULU— August 26, 2025 The ROK–U.S. alliance is entering a decisive window. WithSeoul signaling momentumonwartime operational control(OPCON) transfer and Washington emphasizing“alliance modernization,”the question is no longer whether change is coming—...
Dialogue | Episode 51: North Korea’s Wartime Windfall — A Dialogue with Dr. Victor Cha
By Dr. James M. Minnich HONOLULU— August 19, 2025 Russia’s war in Ukraine has reshaped North Korea’s place in the world. What began withdiscreet transfersof artillery shells has expanded into a full-fledged strategic partnership—anchored by aformal defense treaty—that now...
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Can Singapore unlock Africa’s green hydrogen potential?
On 15 September 2023,The Centre for African Studies at Singapore's Nanyang Technological Universitypublished NESA Center regular speaker Professor Michaël Tanchum's article"Can Singapore unlock Africa’s green hydrogen potential?" "Africa has a potentialto produce $1.06 trillion worth of green...
Alumni Publication: "Indus Waters Treaty: Looking Back, Looking Ahead" by Uttam Kumar Sinha
On 21 September 2023,NatStrat published NESA Center alumUttam Kumar Sinha's article "Indus Waters Treaty: Looking Back, Looking Ahead." "The best option for India is to fulfill the IWT’s provisions, particularly on the western rivers. The Treaty allows storage up to 3.6 MAF and 13.4 lakh acres...
Global Organized Crime Index 2023
The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime released the Global Organized Crime Index 2023 whichfocuses on resilience and includes some newinteractivefeatures. The Global Organized Crime Index 2023 reveals the continuing rise of organized crime globally, with 83% of the world's...
Alumni Publication: "Human Security Perspectives on Hate Speech" by Charani Patabendige
On 29 September 2023,Modern Diplomacypublished NESA Center alumnaCharani Patabendige's latest article"Human Security Perspectives on Hate Speech." "Regardless of its nature, severity, or impact, hate speech is harmful and acts as a barrier to the well-being of our society," writesPatabendige...
Alumni Publication: "Myths and Realities of ‘Gender Apartheid’ in Afghanistan Under the Taliban" by Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
On 29 September 2023,The Diplomatpublished NESA Center alumnaShanthie Mariet D’Souza's latest Op-Ed"Myths and Realities of ‘Gender Apartheid’ in Afghanistan Under the Taliban." "The Taliban so far have done nothing to disrupt the employment of women in the unorganized sector, and may even have...
Alumni Publication: "Unmasking Islamophobic Disinformation in the Aftermath of Sri Lanka’s Easter Sunday Attack" by Charani Patabendige
In her latest article,"Unmasking Islamophobic Disinformation in the Aftermath of Sri Lanka’s Easter Sunday Attack," published bytheGlobal Network on Extremism & Technology (GNET),NESA Center alumnaCharani Patabendige examines the shifting Sri Lankan threat landscape and the symbiotic...
CSAG Information Paper: "ISIS Strategic Communication is Derailed"
Subject:ISIS Strategic Communication is Derailed. Purpose: An analysis of whether ISIS has changed its strategic communication (SC) messaging by purposefully decreasing its presence in mass media and social media, as a strategy, or whether ISIS has just adapted its SC approach to current...
CSAG Information Paper: "Is CENTCOM Prescribing the ‘Suitable Medicine’ to Deter Iran?"
Subject: Is CENTCOM Prescribing the ‘Suitable Medicine’ to Deter Iran? Purpose: To present CSAG analysis of the recent deployment of additional US troops and assets in the Middle East (ME) to deter Iran, within the context of the current strategic and operational environment, and to draw...
Alumni Publication: "Getting Real About the 'Global Coast Guard'” by Commander Kevin Duffy
The U.S. Naval Institute published NESA Center alum Kevin Duffy’s latest Op-Ed “Getting Real About the ‘Global Coast Guard'” in the October issue of Proceedings. "During the 2023 State of the Coast Guard address, the service’s Commandant, Admiral Linda Fagan, noted the United States Coast Guard...
Faculty Publication: "Saudi Arabia plans to encourage the localization of American weapons and the manufacture of advanced weapons on its soil" by Professor Gawdat Bahgat
On 27 September 2023, Araa Magazine published NESA Center Professor Dr. Gawdat Bahgat's latest Op-Ed (in Arabic) for its October issue. The article, titled"Saudi Arabia plans to encourage the localization of American weapons and the manufacture of advanced weapons on its soil," focuseson the U.S.-...
Alumni Publication: "Earthquake in Afghanistan: Natural disasters, international isolation, and Taliban incapacity" by Shanthie Mariet D'Souza
On 18 October 2023, theMiddle East Institutepublished NESA Center alumna Shanthie Mariet D'Souza's article "Earthquake in Afghanistan: Natural disasters, international isolation, and Taliban incapacity." "In natural disaster-prone Afghanistan, official familiarity with such calamities and...
Alumni Publication: "China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the Taliban’s Economic Dreams" by Shanthie Mariet D'Souza
On 19 October 2023, The Diplomat published NESA Center alumna Shanthie Mariet D'Souza's article"China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the Taliban’s Economic Dreams." "The specter of insecurity in Afghanistan has been replaced by a lack of governance and widespread incompetence. Investors from...
Alumni Publication: "ANALYSIS: India’s Central Asia Outreach: Countering China’s Expanding Footprint" by Shanthie Mariet D’Souza and Bibhu Prasad Routray
On 30 October 2023, Mantraya published NESA Center alumnaShanthie Mariet D’Souza's analysis"India’s Central Asia Outreach: Countering China’s Expanding Footprint," which she co-authored withBibhu Prasad Routray. ABSTRACT: For the past couple of years, India has used several forums and...
Alumni Publication: “Analysis of Money Laundering in Sri Lanka: A National Security Saboteur" by Charani Patabendige
On 30 October 2023, theInternational Journal of Security Studies & Practice at the University of North Georgia Institute for Leadership and Strategic Studies published NESA Center alumna Charani Patabendige's article titled“Analysis of Money Laundering in Sri Lanka: A National Security Saboteur...
NESA Center Update: May – June 2023
TheNESA CenterMay – June 2023 Updatefocuses onGulfregion trends. The update also highlights May through June NESA Center programs and events, faculty and staff engagements, alumni contributions, and a calendar with upcoming events. Regional Trends – The Gulf: All Gulf countries are...
Faculty Publication: "Indo-Pacific reluctance and the gulf: an examination of maritime domain awareness as an influence shaping regional maritime security efforts" by Jeffrey Payne
On 08 November 2023, theJournal of the Indian Ocean Region published NESA CenterAssistant Professor Jeffrey Payne's paper"Indo-Pacific reluctance and the gulf: an examination of maritime domain awareness as an influence shaping regional maritime security efforts" in itsVolume 19, 2023 -Issue 1:...
Gallup 2023 Global Law and Order Report
Gallup,a global analytics and advisory firm based in Washington, DC,released its 2023Global Law and Order Report, which outlines which countries scored the highest– and lowest – on its Law and Order Index. The index measures people's sense of personal security and experiences with crime and law...
National Intelligence Council Global Trends 2040 Report
Check out the latest edition of the National Intelligence Council’s Global Trends report,published in March 2021. Published every four years since 1997, Global Trends assesses the key trends and uncertainties that will shape the strategic environment for the United States during the next two...
2023 DoD Strategy for Operations in the Information Environment
On 17 November 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense publicly released its newstrategic guidancefor operations in the information environment, which calls for a shift in how the Pentagon approaches the integration of “informational and physical power.” The document, which was signed in July by...
Faculty Publication: "Washington respects the independence of the Gulf states and ASEAN and considers their renaissance a praiseworthy matter for America and the world" by Professor Gawdat Bahgat
On 29 October 2023,Araa Magazinepublished NESA Center Professor Dr.Gawdat Bahgat's latest Op-Ed (in Arabic) in the 191 issue of the Araa Journal. The article is titled "Washington respects the independence of the Gulf states and ASEAN and considers their renaissance a praiseworthy matter for...