http://www.nbr.org - NBR - The National Bureau of Asian Research

The Future of Nuclear Energy in Japan

The March 2011 earthquake and tsunami affected both those living in Japan's Tohoku region and the nation's nuclear energy industry. In this new Q&A;, Daniel Aldrich (Purdue University) assesses the recovery efforts and how the nuclear crisis in Fukushima may affect Japan’s energy future.

Disputed Claims in the East China Sea

The East China Sea may contain significant energy resources, but extraction of these resources has been stalled by overlapping exclusive economic zone (EEZ) claims between China and Japan. In this new Q&A;, James Manicom discusses the status of these disputes and the implications for policy moving forward.

A Way Forward in U.S.-India Defense Cooperation

Speaking with NBR, National Asia Research Associate Stephen P. Cohen (The Brookings Institution) and Sunil Dasgupta (University of Maryland, Baltimore County) argue that Indian worries about U.S. supply reliability resulted in losing the recent fighter jet bid and to move cooperation forward, the U.S. and India should consider co-developing weapons technology.

Ecological and Nontraditional Security Challenges in South Asia

How do nontraditional security threats in South Asia challenge existing conventional military strategies? Authors of this new report argue that crises such as global climate change and resulting demographic shifts demonstrate that attention must be shifted toward food security, global health, and environmental protection not only for South Asia, but for China, as well.

Japanese Foreign Policy under the DPJ

Daniel Sneider, a National Asia Research Associate, examines the foreign policy views of the Democratic Republic of Japan (DPJ) from the party's founding through its first year in power. He argues that the "new Asianism," which should not be understood as a "pro-China" shift but rather as an effort to manage the rise of China, remains a core identity of the DPJ.

Rising Tensions in the South China Sea

What implications do the South China Sea disputes hold for U.S. policy and interests in the region? Dr. Ian Storey, an expert on Southeast Asia’s relations with China and the U.S., maritime security in the Asia Pacific, and China’s foreign and defense policies, discusses the rise in tensions between claimants in the South China Sea.

Energy & the Environment

Policy Q&As;

Rare Earth Elements, Asia's Resource Nationalism, and Sin-Japanese Relations The Role of Natural Gas in the Asia-Pacific Energy Future

After the Quake

Relief Efforts

Chronology of Operation Tomodachi

Policy Q&As;

Dr. Kiyoshi Kurokawa Moving Forward: Relief Efforts, Health System Reforms, and Japan’s Role in Global Aid Dr. Makoto Aoki Healthcare Reform and Disaster Preparedness Planning in Japan Dr. Scott Davis Navigating Fukushima Michael Birt Another Tsunami Warning: Caring for Japan's Elderly Dr. Francesco Checchi Health Implications in the Aftermath of Japan's Crisis Adm. Thomas B. Fargo The Military Foundations of U.S. Disaster Assistance in Japan William W. Grimes Japan's Post-Quake Economic Outlook Dan Sneider Implications for Japan's Political Future

Research Groups, Centers & Chairs

Center for Health and Aging (CHA) John M. Shalikashvili Chair in National Security Studies Kenneth B. and Anne H.H. Pyle Center for Northeast Asian Studies National Asia Research Program (NARP) Political and Security Affairs (PSA) Slade Gorton International Policy Center Trade, Economic and Energy Affairs (TEEA)

Overcoming Barriers to Maritime Cooperation in East and Southeast Asia

Long-standing disputes over maritime jurisdictional claims in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Gulf of Thailand threaten the long-term stability and prosperity of states in East and Southeast Asia. This new report assesses maritime jurisdictional disputes and opportunities for cooperation.

New WHO Policy Shift to End Ineffective TB Practices

Why does TB continue to prevail in Asia, and what are the implications of the recent World Health Organization (WHO) policy recommendation to ban blood tests to diagnose active TB? Dr. Mario Raviglione (Stop TB Department, WHO) addresses these questions and more, including what policymakers must do to curb the spread of TB.

Thailand's July Election

What are the implications of the Pheu Thai party victory for Thai domestic political stability, Bangkok’s relations with its neighbors, and the United States-Thailand alliance? Catharin Dalpino, the principal investigator for NBR’s “U.S.-Thailand Alliance: Reinvigorating the Partnership” project, offers insights on the election outcome in this interview with NBR.

China's Intellectual Property (IP) Transition

What does China’s intellectual property strategy mean for U.S. global competitiveness, and how should stakeholders engage with China? In this new report, Richard P. Suttmeier and Xiangkui Yao outline the key factors that shape China’s intellectual property policies and offer strategies for more effective U.S. engagement.

Asia's Rise and U.S. Grand Strategy

Strategic Asia Program Research Director Ashley J. Tellis maintains that Asia continues to encounter challenges in many areas despite economic advancement. He argues that an effective U.S. grand strategy is necessary to face the complex international environment in a time of globalization. Read the full Q&A.;

Asia Policy 12 (July 2011)

Asia Policy 12 includes a roundtable on U.S. re-engagement with Asia; articles on China's economic boom, ethnic violence in Kyrgyzstan, and Japanese foreign policy; a Q&A; on political change in the DPRK; and reviews of recent books. Download the full issue at no charge through August 31, 2011.

Thailand's New National Vaccine Strategy

Following last week’s 2011 Pacific Health Summit on vaccines, NBR spoke with Yot Teerawattananon (Thailand’s Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program) about Thailand’s new national vaccine strategy. Dr. Teerawattananon discusses Thailand’s vaccine infrastructure, potential challenges to the plan, and the role of middle-income countries in vaccine manufacturing.

Taiwan's Future: Narrowing Straits

Using a cost-benefit approach, Robert Sutter argues in this issue of the NBR Analysis that though cross-strait relations are on the upswing, by forging deeper relations with China, Taiwan may be losing its freedom of action and giving itself little choice beyond continued accommodation of China’s increasing leverage.

One Year After Ethnic Riots in Kyrgyzstan: What Has Changed?

One year after ethnic riots in southern Kyrgyzstan, the interim government and international actors have worked to mitigate conflict and provide security. Speaking with NBR, National Asia Research Fellow Eric McGlinchey (George Mason University) stresses the role of political stability in Kyrgyzstan leading to presidential elections in the fall.

2011 Pacific Energy Summit Report

Main findings from the 2011 Pacific Energy Summit “Unlocking the Potential of Natural Gas in the Asia-Pacific” are summarized in the 2011 Summit report. World leaders in science, policy, and industry convened in Jakarta in February to explore ways to address energy security and climate change challenges and build confidence in market solutions. Learn more and access the report.

Strategic Asia 2010-11: Asia’s Rising Power and America’s Continued Purpose

The tenth anniversary edition of NBR’s Strategic Asia series takes stock of the Strategic Asia region by providing an integrated perspective on the major issues that influence stability in the region. Leading experts examine Asia’s performance in nine key functional areas to provide a continent-wide net assessment of the core trends and issues affecting the region.

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Japan-U.S. Discussion Forum

Slade Gorton International Policy Center

To learn more about Senator Slade Gorton’s legacy and the upcoming Gorton Center visit the Slade Gorton International Policy Center website.

General John M. Shalikashvili

(June 27, 1936 – July 23, 2011)

Longtime NBR Director and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

We honor General Shali’s extraordinary leadership and service, and at this difficult time extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Joan, his son Brant, and their family. A public memorial service will take place at the Tacoma Convention Center at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 6.

Read a tribute letter from the NBR Board of Directors and President Richard J. Ellings:
In Honor of General John M. Shalikashvili.