Napoleon Bonaparte said of China:
“Let her sleep, for when she wakes, she will shake the world.”
Two hundred-plus years later China and its impact on the Asia-Pacific (A-P)–in recent times often referred to as the Indo-Pacific region–is fulfilling Bonaparte’s prediction.
To be sure, the epicentre of the world is shifting from the Western-European post-World War Two American ‘model,’ of geo-strategic dominance–which is essentially an advance on what has become known colloquially known as the ‘Vasco da Gama’ era–to a world that will be Sino-driven, especially in the A-P. Notwithstanding this state-of-affairs, there is much happening within and about hostilities in the world that reflect focused developments; ambitions; objectives; and endgame policies.
With the above in mind, commentary is offered on the below-mentioned categories and said commentary is always offered through a prism of erudite analysis; evidence-based argument; and with a non-traditionalist stance cum cutting edge approach. The subject matter comprises
- Regional and macro geo-strategic & geo-political analysis;
- Asia-Pacific and ‘Rise of China’ comprehension;
- China – Taiwan relations;
- Conflict interpretation & forecasting;
- Terrorism investigation;
- War studies; &
- Foreign policy relevant to conflict.
GsO is a registered business and consultancy is available. Through the aforementioned prism, all erudite investigation is meant to offer information and analysis which offers a deeper view of geo-strategic and geo-political happenings. All explorations whether tailored or general, are accompanied by scholarly information and interpretation. When and where necessary studies are further informed and developed with, and through, an historical evidence-base.
Geo-strategic and geo-political independent comment, analysis and assessments within the aforementioned areas and included where necessary related issues, such as Australian, European, Central Asian, East Asian, Southeast Asian and American domestic politics are able to be addressed.
All of the information contained in this blog is © Strobe Driver, and may be used with appropriate citation.
The link to my doctoral thesis can be found on my Curriculum Vitae page.
Recipient: Taiwan Fellowship 2018, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan, ROC.
Dr. Strobe Driver
Recent publications and other relevant commentary:
2021
See ‘Latest commentary’ for When Kabul became the new Saigon the ‘endless war’ ended
Book contract … writing, writing…. writing……… 🙂
2020
The Taiwan 2020 Election: How Tsai managed to regain Taiwan and reject China
Yet another visit by a #USA envoy to #Taiwan and #China reacts- as it usually does. What will come of this visit, one might ask? Will it be the same as all that have gone before? No firm stance by the US on whether it will come to Taiwan’s aid militarily (aside from selling Taiwan as much materiel as Taiwan can buy), it will surely be the same old, same old. The people of Taiwan must surely understand another meeting with President Tsai, is not a reliable ally gained. #AsiaPacific #Asia #War #China #Asiapacificsecurity #Asiapolitics
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-54200913
Panic Stations: Australia’s Scramble to Defend Against China in the Asia-Pacific
2019
Beware the West’s ambivalence
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2019/06/27/2003717646/1
How Long Will the Dragon Wait? China and the Retrocession of Taiwan
How Long Will the Dragon Wait? China and the Retrocession of Taiwan
Australia as a Beggar Nation: How the Country Liberal Party made the Port of Darwin a Geo-strategic requisite for China
Asia-Pacific and Cross-Strait Machinations: Challenges for Taiwan in the Nascent Phase of Pax-Sino
http://ccs.ncl.edu.tw/ccs2/research_info.aspx?sn=154
A Unified Korea: Good for All (Except Japan)
https://www.e-ir.info/2019/02/10/a-unified-korea-good-for-all-except-japan/
2018
Hell hath no fury: the makings of a Turnbull return
https://theaimn.com/hell-hath-no-fury-the-makings-of-a-turnbull-return/
The vagaries of US ‘commitment’
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2018/08/05/2003697989
From Possible to Probable: The Dynamics of a Taiwan – China War
https://www.academia.edu/36869064/From_possible_to_probable_The_Dynamics_of_a_Taiwan-China_War
Taiwan must prepare for blockade
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2018/06/26/2003695544
What war would mean for Taiwan
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2018/05/03/2003692412/1
Irredentism, Nationalism and a Looming Asia-Pacific War
http://www.e-ir.info/2018/04/13/irredentism-nationalism-and-a-looming-asia-pacific-war/
Thinking through the US’ ‘closer ties’
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2018/04/08/2003690895
China following West’s example
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2018/02/24/2003688126
2017
A New Age of Violence: Terrorism as an Asymmetrical and ‘Existential’ Threat
http://www.e-ir.info/2017/09/27/terrorism-as-an-asymmetrical-and-existential-threat/
Winning Hostilities Without War: United States — North Korea Machinations
Geo-Strategic Orbit 