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 2024 is probably the first year in which it is possible to openly discuss the consequences of the implementation of the National Security Law (NSL) in Hong Kong (2020). Multiple developments seem proving that Beijing has eventually started considering the Hong Kong Special Autonomous Region of the People’s […]

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 year 2024 in Vietnam witnessed three overarching trends. First, Vietnam continued to demonstrate economic growth and resilience. Second, the year saw changes in top leadership. The country shed more leaders in government and the private sector due to the «blazing furnace» anti-corruption campaign. Mid-way through the year, the country […]

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 This article highlights the multi-scalar politics of Myanmar, where regional politics and geopolitics interact with and compound national and local issues and conflicts. The first part of 2024 confirmed the trends of the previous year. Ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), in coalition or individually, capitalized on the momentum offered […]

Available also in pdf – Download Pdf To understand how India’s internal politics changed in 2024, it is necessary to consider diverse topics. They include the main aspects of the authoritarian system that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had created during a decade in power, and the surprising setback that he faced at the national election […]

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   As 2024 unfolded, Sri Lanka stood at a crossroad. While economic stabilization efforts showed some progress with the last months showing deflation for the first time since 1961. The challenges of unemployment, debt restructuring and social impact remained pressing concerns. Politically, Sri Lanka witnessed a historic shift […]

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 This article examines Kyrgyzstan’s key historical and geopolitical features, along with the main political, economic, and international developments during Japarov’s presidency (2021-2024). The analysis contextualises the country’s domestic evolution throughout 30 years of turbulent post-Soviet independence and illustrates its main foreign relations under the slogan of a «multi-vector diplomacy». […]

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 […]