Japan’s muted response to the shock of Trump’s Donroe doctrine
Japan’s alliance with the United States is under strain as Donald Trump’s embrace of a ‘might makes right’ worldview raises doubts about the credibility of the US security guarantees that have underpinned Japan’s postwar strategy. Despite increasing defence spending, Tokyo appears resigned to dependence on Washington, even as this risks leaving Japan caught between a weakened US commitment and a worsening relationship with China. Japan, alongside Australia, should respond by coordinating more active regional diplomacy through ASEAN and trade frameworks like the CPTPP to preserve cooperation and avoid being trapped in a purely security-driven regional order.
The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) Participates in Saudi Telecom Company’s USD 2.0 Billion Dual Tranche Sukuk Issuance
The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-PS.org), the private sector arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has participated as Joint Lead Manager in Saudi Telecom Company’s (STC) successful USD 2.0 billion dual-tranche Sukuk issuance. This landmark transaction represents STC’s first return to the international sukuk market since its
Trump and Xi may meet in Beijing in April, but India’s worries remain
By Avinash Godbole & O.P. Jindal Global University Amid global tensions involving Venezuela and Iran, there is hope that the scheduled meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing in April 2026 could arrest America’s aggressive and predatory policies. A possible Trump-Xi détente could also reduce risk-taking in the Taiwan Straits, and push China
Indonesia sues 6 companies over alleged links to deadly floods & landslides
By Hans Nicholas Jong JAKARTA — In the wake of the deadly floods and landslides that struck Indonesia in late 2025, the nation’s environment ministry has sued six companies, seeking 4.8 trillion rupiah ($284 million) in environmental damages linked to the disasters. Following devastating floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Senyar in November, which killed
South Korea’s Lee Jae-myung deftly navigates domestic and diplomatic minefields
Since he assumed office in June 2025, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has faced political turbulence on both domestic and international fronts. He came to power in the middle of the national turmoil instigated by his predecessor’s declaration of martial law and consequent impeachment. Only six months before Lee took office, Donald Trump had begun
