Washington and Beijing display stark contrasts in their approaches to the world and to each other. The dividing lines highlight the extremes — perpetrators and victims, oppressors and the oppressed, aggressors and defenders.

The Philippines has played a dynamic role in the Indo-Pacific as of late, now drawing the ire of Beijing by accepting U.S.-made defense systems in the northernmost reaches of its islands. While this may come off like a geopolitical power play, the Philippines still has steadfast commitments to its interests in its own backyard that deserve examination.

When he enters the White House, Donald Trump is going to need a resolution of the Ukraine conflict. But Russia’s decision-makers are unlikely to yield to him. Even if Trump got his way, the underlying issues between Russia and the West would persist.

As the world looks back into a turbulent 2024, the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors underscores the urgent need for renewed global efforts to mitigate nuclear risks. In the face of rising geopolitical tensions and technological advancements, we must revive strategic dialogues and prioritize diplomatic solutions, following President Kennedy’s example, to ensure global security and address the existential threats posed by nuclear weapons and AI-enhanced warfare. And this call demands leadership.

From Shinzo Abe’s concept of escaping the postwar regime to Shigeru Ishiba’s idea of postwar political settlement, the trajectory of Japan’s political evolution is becoming increasingly apparent. For both China and the United States, responding to a Japan that embraces strategic autonomy poses a significant strategic challenge.