Security
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Coercion by the Kilogram: Rare Earths and the Next Phase of US–China Competition
On April 4, 2025, China’s Ministry of Commerce imposed new licensing requirements on exports of seven rare earth elements (REEs) and their associated products, including permanent magnets. While not an outright ban, this move adds regulatory friction to the global supply of critical materials such as samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium,…
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Outsourcing Gambling: The Rise of Chinese Digital Betting and Digital Crimes in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asian border states are experiencing a boom of Chinese-operated gambling syndicates. This proliferation of casinos and digital crimes parallels China’s ingenuine crackdown and criminalization of cross-border gambling. Both Chinese and Southeast Asian states play significant roles in propping up these syndicates, calling for attention and intervention of the international…
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Drama in Manila: Duterte vs Marcos Feud Determines Future of the Philippines
The escalating rivalry between former President Rodrigo Duterte and incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has evolved into a defining moment for Philippine politics and foreign policy. As the country grapples with the fallout of Duterte’s arrest and deepening political polarization ahead of the 2028 presidential race, the contest between the…
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May Fourth and Modern China: Nationalism, Memory, and the CCP’s Security State
What kind of country is China going to become? China continues to dominate headlines and remains a central focus for policymakers, analysts, and commentators in the West. Yet, scholarly opinions are more divided than ever on how to address the so-called “China Challenge.” As China grows markedly more powerful—while maintaining…





