HomeReality Check

Reality Check

Short of War in the South China Sea

Itā€™s been a busy year in these troubled waters.

Iranā€™s Regime Under Siege

Tehran is on the verge of a major test, and every move it makes abroad could jeopardize its security at home.

On the Korean Peninsula, Toasts Give Way to the Problem

A solution to the crisis would require major concessions from all parties involved in talks.

China, India and the Confrontation Neither Side Wants

Underlying forces are pushing the two sides into a self-perpetuating cycle of zero-sum competition.

In Eastern Europe, Slow Change Can Have a Big Impact

Three seemingly unconnected developments offer a peek into the regionā€™s future.

Saudi Arabiaā€™s Race Against Time

Rumors of palace coups are more believable when you take stock of the countryā€™s position.

Armenia: Not Another Color Revolution

Unlike the revolution in Ukraine, in Armenia even the interim government will lean toward Russia.

North Koreaā€™s Strategy After Halting Its Nuclear Program

As a nuclear power in some respects, North Korea must start behaving as utterly rational, leaving the craziness behind.

Central America: Defining Its Own Destiny

The U.S. will in the future see it as a region increasingly difficult to ignore.

The Real US Trade War With China

Multilateralism has a role to play in making America great again.

Japanese Imperialism With Chinese Characteristics

As China grows more dependent on imports, its behavior will come to resemble Japanā€™s.

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