The Short-lived War: Territorial disputes of Thailand and Cambodia
Upcoming Free to Join Online Events
30 July 2025 @ 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. (GMT+10), Lowy Institute, Australia
Malaysia, China, and the region in a pivotal year
This event explores Malaysia’s foreign policy as it chairs ASEAN amid rising U.S.-China tensions and global crises. With Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ambitious agenda, the discussion will examine how Malaysia’s identity as a diverse, Muslim-majority nation and advocate for the global south influences its regional and global positioning. Experts from Malaysia and Australia will provide insights on how the country may navigate trade wars, geopolitical rivalries, and its leadership role in Southeast Asia. The panel is moderated by the Lowy Institute’s Susannah Patton. For more information, see [Lowy Institute].
30 July 2025 @ 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Center for a New American Security, US
Virtual Event | The Axis of Upheaval: Emerging Military Cooperation
This CNAS virtual event explores the growing alignment among Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea—an emerging “Axis of Upheaval” challenging the U.S.-led international order. Prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the deepening cooperation among these powers spans military, economic, and technological domains. Experts will discuss the strategic implications for the United States and its allies. The event coincides with the release of a new CNAS report examining this evolving partnership and how Washington can respond to safeguard global stability. For more information, see [CNAS].
30 July 2025 @ 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (GMT-4), Stimson Institute, US
Early Warning in the Cryosphere: Lessons in Monitoring from Blatten and Beyond
This virtual event gathers experts from academia and the private sector to explore the development of early warning systems (EWS) for cryosphererelated hazards in mountain regions. Drawing on insights from Switzerland’s recent Blatten disaster response, the discussion will assess the potential to adapt such systems to the Himalayas and other parts of High Mountain Asia. The panel will address key technical and institutional challenges in scaling EWS globally, focusing on monitoring priorities, disaster preparedness, and replicating localized success in diverse, often under-resourced, terrains. For more information, see [Stimson Institute].
30 July 2025 @ 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (GMT-4), The Dialogue, US
ONLINE EVENT: A Review of Chinese Climate Assistance in the Caribbean
This online event, hosted by the Inter-American Dialogue and CAPRI, will examine China’s distinctive approach to climate assistance in the Caribbean. Drawing on a new study, panelists will explore key trends in Chinese climate-related engagement, its alignment with regional priorities, and the implications of its largely ad hoc, equipment-focused, and post-disaster aid. The discussion will also consider the future of Chinese involvement as U.S. climate outreach wanes, offering timely insights into shifting geopolitical dynamics in Caribbean climate cooperation. For more information, see [The Dialogue].
30 July 2025 @ 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (GMT+1), ODI Global
Flipping the script: who decides on humanitarian reform?
This online webinar spotlights Global South humanitarians amid a historic funding collapse and growing disillusionment with the international aid system. As traditional donors retreat and the ‘humanitarian reset’ faces criticism for sidelining local voices, this event centers the perspectives of those directly impacted. Panelists will discuss how Global South actors are navigating the funding crisis, the reforms they seek, and how to ensure their leadership in reshaping a more equitable, inclusive, and locally driven humanitarian system for the future. For more information, see [ODI Global].
30 July 2025 @ 10:00 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. (GMT-4), Middle East Institute, US
Iran and the 12-Day War: Strategic Fallout and Future Trajectories
You are invited to a virtual on-the-record briefing hosted by the Middle East Institute (MEI) on Wednesday, July 30, from 10:00– 11:30 AM EDT, examining the aftermath of the recent 12-Day War between Iran and Israel. The discussion will explore the war’s impact on Iran’s regional strategy, the future of its proxy network, and the domestic political consequences within Iran. A panel of distinguished experts will offer insights into these developments and assess potential trajectories moving forward. For more information, see [MEI].
31 July 2025 @ 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (GMT+8), National University of Singapore, Singapore
China’s Strategy in Global Foreign Direct Investment Governance
Global FDI governance is evolving amid calls for multilateral cooperation, regional rule-making, and domestic regulatory reform. Once led by advanced economies, this landscape now sees growing Chinese influence. China promotes inclusive multilateralism, mutual regional benefits, diverse bilateral partnerships, and institutional domestic reforms. Its approach—emphasizing legal fairness, cooperative initiatives, and practical collaboration—is increasingly welcomed internationally. China’s model underscores that openness, inclusivity, and an optimized business environment are essential for effective global FDI governance in a shifting economic and geopolitical order. For more information, see [NUS].
31 July 2025 @ 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (GMT-4), The Heritage Foundation, US
Peace Through Strength: U.S. Policy on Israel and the Middle East
This event, hosted by The Heritage Foundation and the Conference of Christian Presidents for Israel, examines the future of U.S. interests in the Middle East following the October 2023 Hamas invasion and the subsequent Twelve Days War between Israel and Iran. Experts will discuss how the U.S. can navigate regional instability to bolster national security, enhance economic prosperity, and maintain military strength, all while reinforcing its alliance with Israel. The discussion aims to shape a strategic American approach to the evolving Middle East. For more information, see [The Heritage Foundation].
31 July 2025 @ 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Foreign Policy Research Institute, US
Stabilising US-China Relations: Perspectives from China
This event, hosted by the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI), features Asia Program Senior Fellow Neysun Mahboubi in conversation with Trudy Rubin of the Philadelphia Inquirer to assess the evolving U.S.–China trade relationship. With recent negotiations in Geneva and London and a potential Trump-Xi summit on the horizon, Mahboubi will explore possible outcomes for a trade deal or truce, enduring areas of tension, and insights from his recent two-month visit to China engaging in dialogues with students and scholars. For more information, see [Foreign Policy Research Institute].
5 August 2025 @ 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (GMT-4), Center for a New American Security, US
Virtual Event | Game Over? How the United States Could Have Won the Trade Wars
This CNAS event marks the launch of Game Over? How the United States Could Have Won the Trade Wars, a new report analysing the outcomes of a 2025 trade war game. Authors Emily Kilcrease and Geoffrey Gertz examine global responses to escalating U.S. tariffs and prolonged trade conflict. The panel will explore the report’s implications for current trade negotiations and the future of the global economic order, offering timely insights amid rising economic tensions and shifting international trade dynamics. For more information, see [CNAS].
5 August 2025 @ 3:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Atlantic Council, US
Examining Russia’s assault on Ukraine’s cultural heritage
On Tuesday, August 5 at 3:00 p.m. ET, the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center and the Antiquities Coalition will unveil the latest addition to the Ten Most Wanted Antiquities list: a Ukrainian artifact from Mariupol missing since Russia’s full-scale invasion. The event will spotlight Russia’s deliberate targeting of Ukraine’s cultural heritage, featuring expert discussion on the artifact's significance, the Kremlin’s use of cultural propaganda, and how international partners can work to safeguard Ukraine’s history amid ongoing war. For more information, see [Atlantic Council].
Recent Book Releases
Michael Patrick Lynch, On Truth in Politics: Why Democracy Demands It, Princeton University Press, 258 pages, published April 15, 2025. For a review, see [LSE].
Joseph E. Stiglitz, The Origins of Inequality, and Policies to Contain It, Oxford University Press, 880 pages, published May 6, 2025. For a review, see [LSE].
Amitav Acharya, From Southeast Asia to Indo-Pacific: Culture, Identity, and the Return to Geopolitics, Penguin Southeast Asia, 252 pages, published July 15, 2025. For a review, see [Asian Review of Books].
Peter Houlahan, Reap the Whirlwind: Violence, Race, Justice, and the Story of Sagon Penn, Counterpoint, 432 pages, published July 8, 2025. For a review, see [Penguin Books].
Jesselyn Cook, The Quiet Damage: QAnon and the Destruction of the American Family, Crown, 272 pages, published July 2, 2025. For a review, see [Penguin Books].
🌍 Top Stories of the Week 22/7 - 29/7
July 23
Putin, Trump could meet in China if US president agrees to come — Kremlin. at one place [Source]
Miami’s Roy Black ‘the GOAT of criminal defence lawyers,’ dies at 80 - Epstein’s defence layer DEAD. [Source]
Patriot air defense systems promised to Ukraine by U.S. President Donald Trump won’t arrive before spring 2026, German outlet Spiegel reported on July 23, citing sources familiar with the plan. [Source]
July 24
Russia - Ukraine Peace talks start as the heads of Russian and Ukrainian delegations hold one-on-one meeting at Ciragan Palace, Istanbul. [Source]
3rd Round of Peace talks ended without any conclusion of peace 😴. Although both countries agreed to exchange prisoners of war and ill soldiers. Peace talks will keep happening. Zelensky still expects Putin to show up. [Source]
Starmer and Modi (UK and India) sign a 6 billion pound trade deal. A ‘historic day’ after 3 and a half years of negotiations. [Source]
White house not denying that Trump’s name appears in Epstein files, official says. [Source]
At least two Thai civilians were killed and two others injured by shelling from Cambodia on Thursday, according to a district official, while the Thai army said it had launched airstrikes on military targets in Cambodia [Source]
France drew the border in 1900s..Dispute is over a 11th Century Hindu temple and its surrounding, which ICJ awarded to Cambodia in 1962, however Thailand was not satisfied with it. UN is observing this matter very closely 👀. Conflict continues…
Debris of Russian plane with 50 people all dead found in Russia’s far east [Source]
July 25
Germany aims to recruit up to 40,000 18-year-olds annually for voluntary military service by 2031. Would compulsory military service hurt the economy? [Source]
India calls for full ceasefire in Gaza, says temporary pauses 'not enough' to end humanitarian crisis. Wants independent State of Palestine. - India TV [Source]
France will recognise the state of Palestine in September - Macron [Source]
Steve Witkoff (United States Special Envoy to the Middle East) pulls US team out of Gaza ceasefire talks [Source]
With US pulled out of peace talks Trump’s promise of ceasefire within 1 week FAILED.
26 July
Thailand claims 100+ Cambodian soldiers KILLED in clashes 💔 [Source]
Cambodia calls for ‘immediate ceasefire’ with Thailand as deadly clashes enter a third day. [Source]
Over 100,000 children in Gaza at risk of death due to Israeli blockade 💔 [Source]
27 July
From the PM Office of Cambodia: “Samdech Thipadei announces positive news for the armies and people of Cambodia and Thailand. The Thai side has agreed to the US president’s request for a ceasefire” [Source]
EU cuts aid to Ukraine over corruption concerns [Source]
28 July
Trump - “We have reached a deal with the EU”. Trump announces that the EU will purchase 100s of billions of dollars in the US military equipment, invest $600 billion in the US, and buy $150 billion in US energy 💰. Has now 15% tariff on European goods [Source]
Euro surges 13% against USD in year-to-date
Britain ‘ready to fight’ over Taiwan. Defence Secretary suggests. Healey: “if we have to fight, Australia and the UK are nations that will fight together”. [Source]
29 July
Trump takes credit for “both countries having reached a ceasefire and peace” (referring to Cambodia and Thailand). Declares himself the “president of peace”. [Source]
