By disrupting the world’s interconnected economic, social, and geopolitical spheres, the COVID-19 crisis has exposed just how fragile and inequitable the institutions that govern them really are. It has also highlighted how difficult it is to address systemic fragility and inequity amid escalating national-security threats.

As COVID-19 continues to stretch nations’ resources thin all over the world, South China Sea disputes continue, emboldening ASEAN to set the rules for how these disputes will be resolved.

Could the sparks of today’s Cold War with China start a conventional or nuclear war? With a militaristic American president, a looming U.S. election, and a slowing Chinese economy, the threat of war seems to be is looming.

China has been taking exception to the US’s long-running freedom of navigation operations in recent years. But as a rising maritime power, it is in China’s best interests to adhere to an enduring and stable order at sea.

Beneath the surface of the political gamesmanship are bedrock principles of jurisprudence that were overlooked or trampled by the Arbitral Tribunal.

The United States has moved increasingly from neutrality to direct intervention, which threatens stable peace. Saber-rattling and ill-advised words by U.S. leaders only makes things worse.

Japan’s decision to scrap an expensive land-based missile defense system coincides with an important rethink of its security strategy, in favor of offensive capabilities.

Attacks on nuclear-related sites in Iran set back the country’s ability to refine uranium by at least one or two years. Retaliation against Israel can be expected, maybe even war. But in an election year, the U.S. will probably keep its distance.

The influence of the United States can be seen in virtually every move of countries in the region that have a stake. China needs to promote its role as an anchor of peace and stability.

The National Security Law for the special administrative region is a necessary prerequisite to the restoration of prosperity. Unfortunately, some businesses may be reluctant to show their support because they fear retribution.