Is Thailand arming civilians in the south? Not quite

Concerns were raised about the distribution of weapons to civilian volunteers in Thailand's southern border provinces. While these concerns are valid, it is important to understand that the distribution of weapons does not necessarily represent a significant escalation

Australia must be dexterous in its ties with Trump's America

Australia must deal now with an inexperienced American leadership inclined to reject expertise. Intelligence chiefs have been removed from the most important decision-making apparatus, the National Security Council, and replaced with ideologues. The potential for grave errors of judgment appears greater than in years.

US 'sail through' will not deter China

President Barack Obama's decision to send a U.S. Navy ship through waters claimed by China, around an artificial island in the South China Sea, was presented as a warning that Washington will not allow Beijing to block freedom of navigation. Officials have suggested that the operation in late October might be the first in a series of similar maneuvers with the same objective. But such operations are unlikely to deter China or reassure America's friends in Asia