Americas Quarterly’s Post

The US State Department's Mexico organization was purged under Secretary Mike Pompeo. Replacing those who left or were forced out will take a long time, maybe more than a decade. Is SouthCom trying to fill that gap? The military can't fulfill consular duties. But maybe its role isn't all bad. I don't know. What do you think? Check out this July 8 article by Laura Tedesco and Rut Diamint in Americas Quarterly. https://lnkd.in/giiDn4zK #latam #diplomacy

Title: The USA Fleet in Israel: A Complex Peace Mission The United States Navy's presence in the Mediterranean, particularly in Israel, has drawn global attention. The crucial question is whether this deployment can be deemed a peace mission, helping to prevent global conflict. The U.S. fleet's presence acts as a deterrent in a region marked by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has the potential to escalate into a larger war. It demonstrates unwavering U.S. support for its ally while sending a strong message that aggression could lead to severe consequences. This deterrence function contributes to regional stability and the prevention of a broader war. Critics argue that such military presence could overshadow diplomatic efforts and exacerbate tensions. A comprehensive peace mission requires parallel diplomatic strategies to address the underlying causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Achieving peace necessitates intricate diplomacy to tackle historical, cultural, and territorial issues. Moreover, true peace encompasses justice, security, and cooperation. Resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict demands not only addressing security concerns but also the humanitarian aspects, promoting economic development, and ensuring basic rights for all parties involved. In conclusion, the U.S. fleet's presence in Israel supports regional stability and deters aggression, contributing to peace in a complex region. However, it's just one part of a multifaceted puzzle. A genuine peace mission requires a holistic approach, combining military deterrence with diplomatic efforts to resolve deeply rooted conflicts and address humanitarian concerns. Peace is a challenging journey, but it's essential for the well-being of the region and the world.

Latest article from NATO Association of Canada in which I provide my opinion on #China's #peacemaking role for the war in #ukraine. In particular, I argue that it is clear that there is a divide between Western and Eastern #European NATO members on Beijing's role that is re-emphasizing the Old Europe vs New Europe narrative. Moreover, at the center of this divide is Beijing’s formidable ability to recognise and exploit weak points in regional dynamics that it uses to attain #geopolitical objectives. In seeking to disrupt the #West’s unity on its diplomatic reach and opposition to Chinese peacemaking, #Beijing has identified #Paris, #Berlin and #Madrid’s anxiety about not getting incorporated into a #US bloc system as specific stress points for #transatlantic unity. #russia #warinukraine #security #defence #strategy #diplomacy #softpower #indopacific NATO Canadian Global Affairs Institute Macdonald-Laurier Institute Institute for Peace & Diplomacy ACADA - Atlantic Canada Aerospace & Defence Association Canadian Defence Review NATO Parliamentary Assembly Canadian Defence and Security Network - Réseau Canadien Sur La Défense et la Sécurité (CDSN-RCDS) Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) Center for European Policy Analysis Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs Consortium of Indo-Pacific Researchers

Increased US-Philippines Partnership Anticipated In 2024 Key Points: 1. Historic Pact and Accessible Bases: - The 2023 agreement grants the U.S. access to bases in the Philippines, representing a historic development in their military relations. - While not enabling permanent U.S. troop presence, the bases in question are strategically located near the South China Sea. 2. Strategic Fortification: - Plans are underway to fortify the accessible bases, signaling preparations for potential challenges in the South China Sea. - Both countries are expected to enhance cooperation in maritime security and defense, countering China's territorial assertions. 3. Changing Dynamics and Maritime Interests: - The agreement reflects a notable change in the military dynamics between the U.S. and the Philippines, driven largely by shared maritime interests. - Unlike the extensive U.S. presence at Subic Bay, which ended in 1992, the new pact emphasizes collaborative efforts without permanent troop stationing. 4. South China Sea Tensions: - Territorial disputes in the South China Sea involve several nations, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. - The U.S., while not asserting territorial claims, has deployed forces in the region to promote freedom of navigation and uphold the rule of law, leading to tensions with Beijing. 5. Preparations Against China's Claims: - The anticipated collaboration in 2024 is seen as a response to China's claims over parts of the South China Sea. - Washington and Manila are expected to strengthen their navies to counter challenges and safeguard regional stability. 6. Acknowledgment and Diplomacy: - U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed gratitude to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for broadening the U.S. military presence in the Philippines. - Marcos highlighted the enduring strength of partnerships with the U.S., emphasizing their significance for the future of the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific region. Read more: https://buff.ly/3RYFscD

The United States has a trusted friend and ally in Albania. In fact, last year, according to a press release from the U.S. State department, "the United States and Albania [did] commemorate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of U.S.-Albania relations in 2022. Despite interruptions to those relations over the past century, our two countries forged strong bonds, overcame conflict and hardship, and emerged as close allies and friends. With this history in mind, we look toward the future and all that we can accomplish together over the next century. Our two nations are rooted in a shared commitment to democratic values, peace, and economic prosperity, which are the foundation of this enduring partnership.... [Among the many relations,] the United States and Albania share a strong military partnership and commitment in NATO, which Albania joined in 2009." (Source: https://lnkd.in/ebzZfqbR) And every partnership needs amazing institutions and people such as Betsie Chacko, Gabriel Vaughan, Jim Sullivan, David Catarious, Institute for Security Governance and Booz Allen Hamilton

Great to write this piece with Felix Brender 王哲謙 and read the tea leafs surrounding the potential appointment of China's next defence minister. With the Xianshan security forum about to kick off, we should pay close attention to what happens next. "At first the answer seems clear: the appointment of the defense minister of a major power should surely be an important event to watch. Digging deeper, however, the picture become more complex as Chinese Ministerial postings can hardly be compared to their Western counterparts.  This is because, in China, Party rank always outperforms governmental rank. The defense minister is thus not necessarily the key figure in China’s party-centric military system. Instead, the key institution to watch is the Central Military Commission (CMC) – the country’s top body overseeing civil-military relations. The CMC’s leadership includes Xi Jinping as chair, and Zhang Youxia and He Weidong as two vice-chairs. This has several implications for our understanding of how Li’s departure matters for China’s defense diplomacy. On the one hand, Li’s purge will not have a direct impact on the PLA’s operations or readiness in the short term, because Li neither occupied a strategic position in the PLA’s Theatre Commands that plan and coordinate operations, nor was he responsible for decision making as the defense minister is tasked with implementation rather than formulation of policy. On the other hand, however, Li’s departure could bring about more meaningful dialogue with Washington, which could help alleviate risks of escalations across obvious flash points in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait." Thanks to Eric Olander 欧瑞克 LSE IDEAS #China #defence #minister #appointment #diplomacy #opportunity https://lnkd.in/gHKdgz_R

In this insightful analysis of the seismic geopolitical implications of China's 2022 security pact with the Solomon Islands, published in the Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs, journalist Joseph Hammond examines the leaked details of this first-ever bilateral arrangement between China and a Pacific Island nation, which enables potential Chinese troop deployment near key shipping routes. The article explores regional responses to the deal from players like Australia, New Zealand, and the US, which recently reopened its embassy in the islands after 30 years. Hammond analyzes how the pact bolsters China's regional hard and soft power and could pave the way for Chinese naval bases, significantly impacting Indo-Pacific stability. He also delves into the complex Melanesian dynamics between the Solomons and Papua New Guinea, assessing positions from other nations like Fiji and Vanuatu. For an incisive look at this Chinese agreement that upended the status quo in the South Pacific, read Hammond’s piece in the recent issue of the Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs. https://lnkd.in/gSdeJx2e #China #SolomonIslands #SouthPacific #IndoPacific #Geopolitics #Melanesia #PapuaNewGuinea #Fiji #Vanuatu #RegionalSecurity #AsiaPacific Air University Press U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Pacific Air Forces Fulbright Association

As the United States seeks to deepen alliances and investments across the Pacific amid tense relations with China, diplomats and military commanders throughout the region are holding constant meetings and conversations. Conferences in the nation’s capital frequently ask big questions about America’s “pivot to the Pacific” as commentators in the beltway weigh in on developments in Asia and the Pacific islands. But while much of the national media’s attention centers on conversations and intrigue in the halls of Washington to understand American policy, it's Honolulu that has become an increasingly important hub for leaders, diplomats and policy analysts from around the world hoping to shape that policy in what some have called “the Pacific Century.” #hawaii #honolulu #pacificislands #asia #diplomacy #policy https://lnkd.in/gQ6sCfCj

Latest insight from RidgePointGlobal's Brian Klein on how middle powers like Japan and India are critical to how conflicts will be won, lost, or avoided in the near future. Read more in CipherBrief. https://lnkd.in/eUHmtD5M #diplomacy #Israel #Iran #Ukraine #Russia #China #SouthChinaSea #Japan #India #Philippines #middlepowers

The Secretary of State Anthony Blinken's second regional tour was successful. The immediate objective declared at the beginning of the tour of obtaining a humanitarian break was achieved with positive effects for strengthening a regional mechanism involving Arab countries, which had a maximum position; the US also secured support in the G7. The objectives and red lines for the post-conflict period of the US, EU, and G7 are outlined. It cannot be ruled out that an unofficial US-Iran diplomatic channel brokered by Iraq may already be functioning. When we learn of a direct U.S.-Iranian meeting, if we do, then it is clear that American diplomacy is restoring an essential function in the Middle East. The next moment to watch for the crisis in the East - the meeting in San Francisco between the two presidents of the US and China. Regardless of the outcome of the talks between the two, it will have an impact, especially at the UN. The chances increase that the US-coordinated military regional management formula will be developed. In the immediate future, the ad hoc military coalition of the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain will evolve towards a coalition of international will, with political blessing, a more precise division of labour and permanent mechanisms provided by CENTCOM and a regional command HQ soon.