Bills and Benches
China Normalizes Presence in Waters East of Taiwan Amid Boundary Negotiations
Legislatures

China Normalizes Presence in Waters East of Taiwan Amid Boundary Negotiations

China is normalizing its law enforcement presence in the waters east of Taiwan, following the announcement of boundary negotiations between Japan and the Philippines.

The Diplomat17 August 2026
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Indonesia’s Transgender Community Faces Rising Repression Under New Security Policy
Policy areas

Indonesia’s Transgender Community Faces Rising Repression Under New Security Policy

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s 2025 decree labeling LGBTQ+ culture as a national security threat has coincided with a surge in violent attacks against transgender women. Activists warn of worsening conditions, citing legal discrimination, shrinking civil spaces, and state-driven moral panic. Grassroots efforts, including digital advocacy and mutual aid, are emerging as key responses amid funding cuts and growing vigilante violence.

The Diplomat17 August 2026
The Taliban's Ideological Identity: Why International Policies Failed
Implementation

The Taliban's Ideological Identity: Why International Policies Failed

Five years after the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, the international community is still struggling to understand the movement's nature. This article explores why international policies based on the assumption that the Taliban would change were doomed to fail, and how the international community's analytical framework was ill-suited to understanding the Taliban's ideological identity.

The Diplomat16 August 2026
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye Forge Collective Defense Pact in Mecca
News

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye Forge Collective Defense Pact in Mecca

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye signed the Mecca Joint Deterrence Agreement to enhance collective security against aggression, raising questions about its implications for India. The pact reflects regional shifts away from U.S. reliance and strengthens existing defense ties, though its immediate impact on India remains uncertain.

The Diplomat16 August 2026
Afghanistan: 5 Years in the Dark
Legislatures

Afghanistan: 5 Years in the Dark

The Taliban's rule has led to the erasure of Afghan women and girls from public life, with over 20 million affected by restrictive decrees and directives.

The Diplomat16 August 2026
Parliamentary Committee Calls for a Full-Scale Indian Polar Strategy
Institutions

Parliamentary Committee Calls for a Full-Scale Indian Polar Strategy

A recent report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs says India’s current approach to the Arctic and Antarctic is insufficient and urges the creation of a dedicated polar ambassador, a Polar Affairs Desk, and a coordinated national strategy to protect climate, maritime, and economic interests.

The Diplomat16 August 2026
Japarov Reveals Plans for Tashiev’s Presidency, Then Reconsiders
Elections

Japarov Reveals Plans for Tashiev’s Presidency, Then Reconsiders

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov disclosed in an interview that he had initially intended for his former ally Kamshubek Tashiev to succeed him, but changed his mind due to Tashiev’s unpreparedness. The revelation comes amid legal appeals in the 'Letter of 75' case and Japarov’s confirmation that he will seek a second term in 2027.

The Diplomat16 August 2026
Afghanistan’s Resistance Grows as Fears of Pakistani Influence Persist
News

Afghanistan’s Resistance Grows as Fears of Pakistani Influence Persist

Five years after the Taliban’s return to power, new anti-Taliban movements are emerging across Afghanistan, challenging the group’s dominance. However, concerns persist that Pakistan may exploit these resistance groups for its own strategic interests, raising fears of a repeat of historical interference.

The Diplomat16 August 2026

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