The Asia Chessboard

In a compelling discussion, Tarun Chhabra, former National Security Council Coordinator for Technology and National Security, shares insights on U.S.-China technology competition. He delves into America's role in shaping global tech policies, particularly around semiconductors and the balancing act between national security and economic interests. Chhabra also highlights the importance of international alliances in countering Chinese tech influence and emphasizes the need for strategic adaptability as technology and geopolitical landscapes evolve.

Michèle Flournoy, Co-Founder of WestExec Advisors and former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, shares her insights into national security and defense strategy. She discusses the ongoing U.S.-China competition in the Indo-Pacific, stressing the role of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and reputational deterrence. Flournoy highlights the need for enhanced military capabilities and strategic dialogues among allies, emphasizing collaboration with Japan and Australia. The conversation touches on agility and unity in responding to geopolitical challenges, including tensions in Sri Lanka.

Bonnie Glaser, Managing Director for the German Marshall Fund’s Indo-Pacific program and co-author of a pivotal book on U.S.-Taiwan relations, discusses the escalating tensions surrounding Taiwan. She highlights the shrinking space for dialogue with China and the evolving rhetoric from leaders like Xi Jinping. Glaser dives into Taiwan's defense strategy amidst dwindling trust in U.S. support and examines how recent global events have shifted transatlantic dynamics regarding Taiwan's security challenges. A thought-provoking analysis of the region’s future!

Nadia Schadlow, former U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategy and current Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, dives into the intricacies of U.S. national security strategies. She discusses the evolving balance of power post-Cold War, particularly in relation to China and Russia, and emphasizes the shift towards 'overmatch' military strategies. The complexities of aligning political narratives with strategic realities are highlighted, along with the importance of adapting alliances in a rapidly changing global landscape.

This week Mike hosts Richard Heydarian, Senior Lecturer at the University of the Philippines Asian Center and author of, among others, Asia’s New Battlefield (2015, Bloomsbury) & The Indo-Pacific: Trump, China & The New Struggle for Global Mastery (2019, Palgrave), to discuss the Philippines' foreign policy, relationships, and strategy in the Indo-Pacific. 

Mike hosts Jina Kim, Dean of Language and Diplomacy Division at the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, to discuss South Korea's foreign policy and strategy in the Indo-Pacific.

Reflecting on the complexities of understanding China's political landscape, the discussion delves into the evolving methodologies in Sinology amid Xi Jinping's rise. Analyzing China's global ambitions, they explore the implications of U.S.-China tensions and historical diplomatic missteps. The interaction of China with Russia, North Korea, and Iran highlights potential alliances in a turbulent geopolitical environment. The conversation underscores the critical need for allied nations in the Asia-Pacific to navigate economic security amidst growing assertiveness from Beijing.

This week Mike and Jude are joined by Aaron Connelly, Asia diplomatic editor and senior Asia correspondent at The Economist, where he writes about geopolitics and security across Asia. They discuss his recent Adelphi Series book New Answers to Old Questions: Myanmar Before and After the 2021 Coup D’État.

Rick Waters, managing director of Eurasia Group's China practice and former top China policy official at the US State Department, dives into the nuanced world of US-China relations. He discusses the significant political shifts under Xi Jinping, emphasizing centralization and the impact of the 'Made in China 2025' initiative. Waters explores China's cautious strategy amid US election uncertainties, detailing its effects on trade and alliances. He also shares insights on crisis management, including the EP-3 incident, and calls for a collaborative US approach with allies to navigate these strategic complexities.

This week Mike and Jude are joined by David Capie, Director of the Centre for Strategic Studies and Professor of International Relations at the Victoria University of Wellington. They discuss New Zealand’s transitioning approach to its regional relationships.