Policy Briefs – Page 2

The Depleting Water Levels of the Caspian Sea: Why the Choice to Hold COP29 in Baku is So Pertinent

The Caspian Sea is gaining increasing centrality in new trade routes between Asia and Europe playing a fundamental role in promoting economic connectivity between the two regions. The conflict in Ukraine and the rising tensions in the Middle East and Red Sea have highlighted the vulnerability of current supply chains for essential commodities. Consequently, it has underscored the potential significance of the Caspian Sea and its surrounding states — especially Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan — whose energy reserves and potentials could help the EU diversify away from reliance on the Russian energy sector. Additionally, these countries are expected to play a crucial role in the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the ‘Middle Corridor.’

Weighing the Pertinence of Dialogue and Diplomacy in Northeast Asia: The China-Japan-South Korea 2024 Trilateral Summit

More than four years after their last trilateral summit and against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions and regional security threats, the long-awaited 9th summit between the Republic of Korea (ROK or South Korea), the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Japan finally took place in Seoul on 26-27 May 2024.

Thailand–EU FTA Negotiations: Hidden Hurdles and Easy Wins

Despite confidence from leaders, both parties are walking a tightrope between their international interests and domestic anxieties.

The EU’s Strategic Role in the Global Semiconductor Supply Chain and its Implications for Clean Energy

As our global economy becomes increasingly digital, AI-driven, and reliant on 5G networks, the demand for semiconductors will only continue to surge. These components are not only fundamental to technological advancement but crucial for geopolitical stability.

The EU’s Anti-Subsidy Policy Towards Chinese Electric Vehicles: Navigating the Risks of Escalating Trade Tensions

On 13 September 2023, during her annual State of the Union address, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen announced the opening of an anti-subsidy investigation into imports of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from China.

Building Peace Amid Turmoil: What Role Can The EU Play in Myanmar’s Fragile Path to Stability?

The security environment in Myanmar has been at a critical point for the past few years. Since the 2021 military coup under General Min Aung Hlang, security challenges have reached critical levels both internally and regionally, also spreading beyond Myanmar’s borders. Moreover, Refugee inflows, especially into Bangladesh and Thailand, have added to the already existing challenge of the Rohingya Crisis.

Protecting the Invisible Workforce: The EU’s Support in Safeguarding Migrant Workers in Southeast Asia

Following the European Union’s pledge of financial support for the UN’s ‘PROTECT’ Project, how can the EU deepen its strategic alliance in the Indo-Pacific through initiatives addressing labour migration, human rights, and sustainable economic development? How can these non-security efforts complement its strategic partnerships in the region?

Strategic Manoeuvres: Exercise Balikatan and the Indo-Pacific Strategies of France and Germany

The Indo-Pacific region is a key region in terms of maritime geopolitics, security, trade and environmental issues. With China’s rise, increasing tensions over territorial claims and the region’s strategic importance, several European countries, including Germany and France, have implemented comprehensive policies.

Maldives Beyond the Myopic Lens: Why Major Powers Seek Leverage

Following the recent elections that tilted the Maldives towards a more outspoken pro-China stance, the geopolitical dynamics have been set into motion, presenting a compelling opportunity for the European Union. The changing circumstances opens the Maldives’ burgeoning role in global affairs, paving the way for enhanced collaboration in diplomacy, climate action, and reaffirming its critical importance in the theatre of South Asian politics.