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PacNet #5 – Free Speech and the Muslim World

This commentary provides one view on the controversy over the publication of cartoons deemed offensive by many Muslims. As is the case with all PacNets, the views expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Pacific Forum or any other institution or organization. Additional perspectives on this […]

PacNet #4 – Sino-U.S. relations: drawing lessons from 2005

For observers of Sino-U.S. relations, 2005 may be remembered as the year that President George W. Bush and his Cabinet began to refer to the bilateral relationship as “complex.” The description is accurate, but it is an evident retreat from the high-water mark announced by former Secretary of State Colin Powell two years prior when […]

PacNet #1A – Middle East influence boosts Islamic conservatism in Aceh?

The fundamental problem facing Muslims and others seeking to understand Islam is not that there are too many versions of Islam. There is only one Islam, but there are a thousand possible interpretations of its texts and precepts. All lay people claim to possess the indisputable truth, all claim that no version but their own […]

Issues & Insights Vol. 06 – No. 04

For many nations, the end of the Cold War ended the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Yet while the chances of a superpower confrontation have shrunk to near invisibility, the WMD threat persists. Now, however, the danger is posed by states and nonstate actors determined to acquire such weapons despite a global […]

PacNet #3 – Missing out in Asia

The world is changing. The structure of global power is shifting, and Asia is finally emerging as a pillar of the international system. We have heard this talk before – over a decade ago the “Asian century” was the storyline – but it is finally happening. The rise of China is part of this story, […]

Issues & Insights Vol. 06 – No. 02

The United States and China are at a critical juncture in their bilateral relationship; each needs to better understand the other’s military capabilities. The most important factors affecting the U.S.-China strategic relationship are, for the U.S., its position at the top of the relative power hierarchy and, for China, its turn from an autarchic ideological […]

PacNet #2 – Comparative Connections Summary

The January 2006 Issue of Comparative Connections is now available online:   Regional Overview: Promoting Freedom and Democracy Amidst Missed Opportunities U.S.-Japan: The Alliance Transformed? U.S.-China: China Welcomes Bush and Ponders a U.S. Invitation to be a Responsible Stakeholder U.S.-Korea: The Six-Party Talks: What Goes Up Can Also Come Down U.S.-Russia: Eurasian and East Asian […]

Issues & Insights Vol. 06 – No. 03

These essays are the product of a week-long visit to Taiwan by 17 Young Leaders Oct. 10-15, 2005. With the support of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, the Young Leaders participated in two days of dialogue with civic organizations and political parties where they heard Taiwanese views on regional security issues, Taiwan’s democracy, and its […]