Available also in pdf – Download Pdf   In 2024, the main developments characterizing the situation in Asia Maior1 were the same ones highlighted in the three previous issues of this journal, namely the growing tensions in the US-China relationship, the authoritarian involution ongoing in most Asian countries (as elsewhere in the world) and, finally, the […]

Available also in pdf – Download Pdf This article examines the evolution of China’s foreign policy in 2024, highlighting a shift toward a more calculated and assertive approach, reflecting a refinement in Beijing’s strategic direction. Building upon developments in recent years, during which China emphasized a proactive role in global security governance while cultivating its […]

Available also in pdf – Download Pdf While drastic changes have occurred in Japan’s domestic politics, its foreign policy has been characterised by continuity. In a year defined by domestic political turmoil, financial volatility and environmental catastrophes, the ever dominant Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) witnessed a dramatic leadership change and lost the absolute majority in […]

Available also in pdf – Download Pdf On 20 October 2024, former Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, came to the end of his second and final five-year term (2019-24) when he handed over the presidency to his preferred successor, Prabowo Subianto. Since the start of Jokowi’s second term a strong authoritarian or […]

Available also in pdf – Download Pdf This paper presents an analysis of how debates around reform in Malaysia unfolded in 2024, focusing on Prime Minister Anwar Ibarhim’s efforts to align the government’s trajectory with his political vision, grounded on Islamic values. Domestically, the unity governmen faced mounting pressure to implement a reform agenda that […]

Available also in pdf – Download Pdf The Thai biennium 2023-2024 opened with the prospect of democratic change, as in 2023 citizens were able to vote in a general election. While the outcome spelled the end of military rule after the two consecutive premierships of retired General Prayuth Chan-ocha, the Army-drafted constitution of 2017 inhibited […]

Available also in pdf – Download Pdf India’s politicians spend almost half of 2024 focused on the general election held over seven weeks in April, May and June. But once the results were announced, energy returned to India’s foreign policy, and the re-elected Modi government moved to deal with a series of pressing issues. This […]

Available also in pdf – Download Pdf Pakistan’s general election, held on 8 February 2024, was marred by allegations of vote manipulation and delays in the ballot counting process. International observers called for thorough investigations to assess the integrity and fairness of the electoral process. Reports indicated the detention of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party leaders, […]

Available also in pdf – Download Pdf The last stage of the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh shook Southern Caucasus politics at its very foundation. The traditional parameters used for assessing and deciphering regional politics have been upended, as the alliances and alignments developed over the previous thirty years have collapsed and, in […]