The Asia Programme at CGSRS is dedicated to conducting in-depth research on the political, economic, and social developments that are reshaping the Asia-Pacific region. Our focus spans a diverse and strategically significant area, including Afghanistan, China, India, Pakistan, the South Asian subcontinent, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and Southeast Asia.
The Asia-Pacific is home to more than 60% of the global population and is the driving force of the world’s economic engine, making developments in this region crucial for global stability and prosperity. With powers like China, India, and Japan asserting themselves on the world stage, and North Korea’s provocations continuing to destabilize the region, the Asia Programme takes a timely and comprehensive approach to understanding the challenges and opportunities that will shape global politics in the coming years.
Key Areas of Focus
The Rise of China: A Global Power in the Making
The rapid rise of China as a global power is one of the most consequential developments in contemporary geopolitics. Under President Xi Jinping, China has accelerated its pursuit of both economic and military dominance, challenging the U.S. and its allies on multiple fronts. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is reshaping global infrastructure, while China's growing presence in the South China Sea has led to territorial disputes and increased tensions with neighboring countries.
Key areas of focus include:
- China’s Belt and Road Initiative: How China’s global infrastructure project is reshaping the economic landscape, with both opportunities and risks for developing nations.
- South China Sea Disputes: China's territorial claims and militarization of disputed waters continue to affect vital trade routes and spark regional confrontations.
- U.S.-China Rivalry: As the world’s two largest economies, the trade war, technology competition, and military standoffs between the U.S. and China will redefine global power structures.
- China’s Influence on Global Governance: Examining China's efforts to establish its own multilateral institutions and increase its influence in existing global organizations.
North Korea’s Nuclear Ambitions
The threat posed by North Korea remains one of the most urgent security challenges in the region. The unpredictable regime of Kim Jong-un continues to test international resolve with its ongoing missile tests and pursuit of nuclear weapons. While diplomacy with South Korea and the U.S. has seen intermittent progress, the situation remains precarious.
Key areas of focus include:
- North Korea’s Nuclear Program: Ongoing efforts to develop long-range missiles and nuclear weapons, and their implications for global security.
- U.S.-North Korea Diplomacy: The role of summit meetings and sanctions in curbing North Korea’s weapons programs.
- Inter-Korean Relations: The evolving relationship between South Korea and North Korea, with the potential for peace or conflict depending on diplomatic efforts.
India’s Rising Global Influence
India stands as a growing counterbalance to China in the region. As the world’s most populous democracy and an emerging economic power, India’s foreign policy and strategic partnerships are becoming increasingly important. The complex security environment of South Asia, marked by the longstanding rivalry with Pakistan and disputes with China, has placed India at the crossroads of global geopolitics.
Key areas of focus include:
- India-China Relations: The growing tensions between India and China over their contested border regions and their broader geopolitical competition.
- India’s Security Partnerships: India’s strengthening ties with the U.S., Japan, and Australia through frameworks like the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) to counter China’s influence.
- India-Pakistan Dynamics: The ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, particularly over the Kashmir region, remains a volatile issue with the potential to escalate into broader conflict.
Japan, South Korea, and the Shifting Dynamics of East Asia
Both Japan and South Korea play pivotal roles in the security architecture of East Asia, with strong alliances with the U.S. and complex relationships with neighboring powers. While historical disputes persist, particularly between Japan and South Korea, both countries are vital in shaping the future of the region’s security and economic environment.
Key areas of focus include:
- Japan’s Strategic Shifts: As a key U.S. ally, Japan is adapting its defense posture in response to China’s growing influence and North Korea’s provocations. Japan is also increasing its military capacity and exploring new alliances.
- South Korea’s Role in Regional Security: South Korea remains central to efforts to engage North Korea diplomatically while strengthening its security ties with the U.S. and Japan.
- Territorial Disputes: Japan and South Korea continue to face unresolved territorial disputes, including the Dokdo/Takeshima islands, which strain bilateral relations and have wider regional implications.
Why It Matters Today
The Asia-Pacific is undeniably the most geopolitically significant region in the world today, with global powers jockeying for influence and control. The rise of China, the threat posed by North Korea, the growing importance of India, and the evolving roles of Japan and South Korea all contribute to an increasingly complex regional order.
The Asia Programme at CGSRS provides an essential platform for understanding the region’s geopolitical trends and the interconnections that define its future. By analyzing both the opportunities and challenges facing the Asia-Pacific, we offer insights that are crucial for policymakers, academics, and analysts seeking to navigate the complexities of this dynamic and critical region.