The Abraham Accords: What They Mean and Shaping a Way Ahead

09/26/2020
By Robbin Laird Recently, I discussed the Abraham accords and their impact with Professor Amatzia Baram. We last met in person at a conference in Bahrain which discussed a number of Middle East issues, and now with Bahrain as one of the signatories to the agreements, we had a chance…

Strengthening Indo-Pacific Security: Japan and India Reach a Bilateral Agreement on Military Logistical Support

09/16/2020
New Delhi India and Japan signed an Agreement between the two countries concerning Reciprocal Provision of Supplies and Services between the Armed Forces of India and The Self-Defense Forces of Japan. The agreement was signed on September 9th by Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar and Ambassador of Japan Mr Suzuki…

Presidents Macron and Erdogan: Navigating or Generating a European Crisis?

09/14/2020
By Pierre Tran Paris - France may be a middle rank military power but the head of state pursues an active foreign policy, seeking to be a bridge over troubled waters around the world. President Emmanuel Macron has strengthened political ties with Greece, opening the way to the prospective sale…

The V-22 for Indonesia: A Core Capability to Leverage Allies and Partners’ Afloat Forces

09/10/2020
I have followed the Osprey since 2005. It has clearly been a driver of change for the USMC and the joint force. And one key area of change became evident early on: it can land on a wide variety of ships in the U.S. or allied fleets, and thereby expand…

The Australian Defence and Security Strategy 2020 Reset: The Perspective of Air Marshal (Retired) Geoff Brown

09/07/2020
By Robbin Laird On 1 July 2020.The Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Scott Morrison, and the Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds, launched the 2020 Defence Strategic Update and the 2020 Force Structure Plan at the Australian Defence Force Academy The Defence Strategic Update sets out the…

An Update on the Japanese Defense Budget, 2020

08/31/2020
The Japanese are reworking their defense capabilities to provide for enhanced perimeter defense. We projected this trajectory for Japanese defense policy in our book on Pacific defense published in 2013. According to the preface to the Japanese Ministry of Defence's overview of the way ahead for its defense programs: Japan…

Misawa Air Base: The USAF and JSADF Cooperation

07/29/2020
According to a Japanese Ministry of Defence article published in July 2020, a recent exercise by the USAF and the JASDF was highlighted. Misawa Air Base is the Koku-Jieitai (Japan Air Self-Defense Force)`s only air base operated jointly with the United States. The joint use started in 1958. Currently, there…

The Next Phase of Australian Defense Strategy Development: A Discussion with Brendan Sargeant

07/24/2020
By Robbin Laird Last month, the Australian government announced its new defense strategy and force development plan for the decade ahead. It represents both continuity and change from the 2016 strategy, but clearly expresses a recognition of the new strategic environment within which Australia finds itself. It also expresses both…