ISDP Voices

The Northern Trade Corridor, beginning in China’s north-east and traversing the Russian landmass to Europe, had long been a staple of east-west trade. However, with the strict sanctions imposed on Russia by the European Union (EU), China has had to rely on alternative means to transport its goods to the lucrative European market. This has […]

Introduction “Without nature, we have nothing” was a resounding statement made by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at the Conference of the Parties (COP) 15 in 2022, highlighting the importance of alignment of human development with biodiversity conservation. At the same event, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted, which set 23 targets and […]

The world order seems to be unraveling. The uncertainty in the transatlantic relationship is a major factor that may shape international security in the coming time. Notwithstanding its substantial role in the founding of global systems after the Second World War, the U.S.-Europe relationship has been revealed as dichotomous with both sides taking diverging political […]

As of 2024, Taiwan produced 60 percent of the world’s semiconductors and 90 percent of the world’s most advanced semiconductors. This impressive feat is spearheaded by the island’s largest chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), whose crucial components are used to power “everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to artificial intelligence and quantum computing applications”. […]

Since annexation in 1950, Tibet has been an important part of China’s geostrategic outlook and an important source for China’s energy security and hydro-hegemony. Numerous dams have been constructed across the plateau, with more planned, including the “monster” Medog Hydropower Station. There is also extensive mining across the plateau, and it is a water source […]

The recent arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte marks a historic moment for international justice and Philippine politics. Duterte, known for his aggressive anti-drug campaign that resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings, now faces charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC). His arrest, facilitated by the administration of President Ferdinand […]

As the United States retreats from its engagement in Arctic research, with drastic funding cuts, mass firings, and a troubling de-prioritization of climate science, Japan and South Korea stand at a critical juncture. This shift is not merely a crisis for American polar science; it is a transformative opportunity for both countries to assert themselves […]

A few weeks ago, on February 13-16 2025, the Chair of the ISDP Board Dr. Anna Wieslander, once again participated in the Munich Security Conference (MSC). Here are her reflections from those turbulent days and discussions at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich. “We have to smile when we can.” President Zelenskyy’s words after having […]

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s U.S. visit in February 2025, both sides launched the U.S.-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology), to strengthen cooperation in defense, trade, technology, energy security, and regional issues. The Joint Statement revealed that the U.S. will expand defense sales and co-production with India, including Javelin anti-tank […]

On November 21, 2017, the Iranian media published a note by Qassem Soleimani, the late commander of Iran’s Quds Force, to Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The note, following the successful joint operation of Iranian and Syrian forces to liberate the city of Al-Bukamal in Deir Ezzor province, officially […]