In recent years, South Korea’s ascent in the global arms market has been remarkable. This surge, particularly amid a shifting geopolitical landscape and the ongoing Ukraine-Russia War, has captured the attention of security watchers worldwide.
Asia
Asia is now a nerve center for global economic activity and a theatre of some of the most critical political and security developments of our time. The Center for Asian Studies provides documented expertise and a platform of discussion on Asian issues that seeks to accompany decision makers and explain and contextualize developments in the region for the sake of a larger public dialogue.
Ifri's Center for Asian Studies’ research is organized along three major axes: regionalism and intra-regional relationships in Asia; relations between Asia’s major powers (China, Japan, India) and the rest of the world; and internal political, economic and social dynamics of Asian countries. This research focuses primarily on China, India and Japan, but also increasingly covers the Korean peninsula, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands and the Indo-Pacific Strategies.
The Center organizes closed-door roundtables, expert-level seminars and a number of public events, including an Annual Conference, that welcome experts from Asia, Europe and the United States. The Center’s researchers regularly participate in international conferences, particularly in Asia. Their work, as well as that of their partners, is regularly published in the Center’s electronic journal Asie.Visions.
Research Fellow, Head of Japan Research, Coordinator of the Program on Pacific Islands,
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Research Fellow, Center for Asian Studies
...Advisor to the Program on Pacific Islands, Center for Asian Studies
...Senior Advisor, Center for Asian Studies
...Associate Research Fellow, Center for Asian Studies
...Indonesia is gearing up for its next general election on February 14, with a potential runoff scheduled in late June. This major electoral process will determine the nation’s next president and vice-president since incumbent President Joko Widodo, also known as Jokowi, will step down after ten...
The advent of the 21st century has witnessed the rise of the space industry as a pivotal arena of technological innovation, economic opportunity, and geopolitical significance. Amidst this global landscape, South Korea has emerged as an increasingly influential player in space...
On January 13, 2024, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was reelected for an unprecedented third consecutive term since popular elections began in 1996.
In only three decades, China has become one of the world’s top space powers. At the turn of the 2020s, almost suddenly, China became the main challenger to the US, although with a significant remaining gap to bridge.
On January 13th the young Taiwanese democracy will hold its 8th presidential election since direct universal suffrage began in 1996. The same day, the people of Taiwan will elect a new Parliament – the Legislative Yuan – which will start its term on February 1st. President Tsai Ingwen’s second...
The South Pacific Defence Ministers Meeting (SPDMM) is taking place in Nouméa (New Caledonia) from December 4th to 6th of this year.
A new Cold War-style race to the moon seems to be in the making. The People’s Republic of China and the United States are both investing in moon exploration with manned lunar scientific stations as the ultimate goal.
As US-China rivalry reaches its peak and the likelihood of a high-intensity conflict in the region seems greater than ever, this report advocates for a pragmatic recalibration of France’s strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific. This adjustment should be grounded in a realistic reframing of...
The paper provides a European Union (EU) perspective on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
Renewed tensions on the Korean peninsula, what to expect?
Tensions in the Korean Peninsula have been growing in recent months. North Korea has named South Korea its "principle enemy" and declared that his country has abandoned the goal of reunification.
Expansion of the South Korean Defense Industry: Key Features and Implications for Europe
In recent years, South Korea's ascent in the global arms market has been nothing short of remarkable, with its arms sales skyrocketing to $17.3 billion in 2022.
Is NATO going East? NATO and the cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners
In 2022, NATO acknowledged China's growing influence and military modernization as significant challenges, recognizing the Indo-Pacific region's strategic importance.
Economic Security and East Asia: De-risking in an Era of Strategic Competition Conference
Annual Conference of Ifri's Center for Asian and Indo-Pacific Studies. As strategic competition becomes an increasingly dominant feature of the international system today, the “de-risking” of interdependent economic ties has emerged as a new mantra for managing geopolitical uncertainty.
G7 Hiroshima Summit: What type of Japanese and European leadership in a fragmented world? Webinaire
The G7 summit in Hiroshima showcased a new international order in the making.
The War in Ukraine and Rising Global Tensions: A Southeast Asian Perspective Hybrid Conference
A debate with Simon Tay, Chairman of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA), Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore, and Singapore’s Ambassador to Greece.
Japan as an Upgraded Strategic Player: What Implications for the Indopacific and the Cooperation with France? Webinaire
In December 2022, Japan updated its national security and defense strategies, marking a major shift in its capacity and willingness to act as a strategic player on the international scene.
Is the UN Security Council still relevant? France and Japan's views on the future of multilateralism Webinaire
The war in Ukraine exemplified the limitations of the UN Security Council (UNSC), as this key institution was not able to efficiently act for the maintenance of international peace and security.
Food Security in Times of Crisis: Connecting the Pacific and Europe
More frequent climate disasters, rising sea levels, the economic fallout of Covid-19 lockdowns and the global impact of the war in Ukraine have aggravated the challenge of food insecurity for Pacific Island countries.
After TICAD 8 - COVID, war in Ukraine and the cooperation with Africa: Views from Japan and France Webinar
The TICAD 8 – the 8th edition of the Japan-Africa Summit – was held on 27-28 August 2022 in Tunis.
PM Meloni makes move after calculating that membership failed to yield benefits.Italy's decision to pull out of China's Belt and Road Initiative has placed a spotlight on the relationship between the two countries and comes at an awkward time for Beijing, a day ahead of a summit it is holding...
Ship-to-shore cranes tower high above choppy waters and colorful containers on the Ligurian coast of northern Italy. Sailors coming in to dock are greeted with a smorgasbord of transportation industry names and logos, from Denmark's Maersk to Taiwan's Evergreen. Harder to spot is COSCO, the...
President offers 'alternative' for states squeezed between U.S. and China
HAMBURG, Germany -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang avoided public clashes on a high-profile visit to Germany and France this week, in what analysts see as a sign of the European nations' reluctance to alienate Beijing.
While the impact of Kishida’s tour is ‘marginal, it can still send ‘a message of solidarity’ that it intends to take the continent’s concerns seriously. Getting the African countries to take active measures against Russia will be difficult if they are not offered strong incentives in exchange,...
French President Emmanuel Macron's call for Europe to steer clear of a Taiwan conflict -- rooted in France's pride and deep-seated resistance to following America's lead -- has raised questions about where he and Paris really stand on China.
More realistic posture would strengthen Paris' role in Indo-Pacific region
One of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s top goals for next month’s Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima is to create a united front on issues like China and Ukraine. But finding a unified approach to dealing with Beijing’s assertiveness might have just become harder.<...>
French president’s remarks follow criticism over his warning that Europe should steer clear of U.S.-China tensions over Taiwan