Key Points Japan is making a significant shift from its post-WWII pacifist stance by developing new advanced weapons Factors driving the change: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, rising tensions with China over Taiwan, North Korea’s nuclear developments Japan is substantially increasing defense spending, focusing on naval capabilities 5 new weapons in development Unmanned surface vessel (USV) for recon, surveillance and combat Unmanned amphibious vehicle (UAV) to secure enemy territory Upgraded torpedo with anti-torpedo capabilities Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) to counter hypersonic weapons New Ship-to-Air Missile (NSAM) with improved targeting Most weapons to be tested and deployed around 2030 Public support for military spending increasing (40% in 2023 vs 29% in 2018)...

The US Navy’s multifaceted strategy leverages geographical advantages, technological superiority, and advanced training to maintain military dominance over China. By containing China’s expansion, developing cutting-edge weapons, and ensuring superior personnel, the US aims to thwart China’s ambitions of global preeminence by 2049. Geographical Containment via Island Chains First Island Chain: The US aims to confine China within the first island chain, stretching from Japan through Taiwan and the Philippines to Indonesia....

Table of Contents Russia’s Central Role in Global Affairs Global Influence and Controversies Demographic Crisis Economic Challenges Military Concerns Corruption and Dictatorship International Ambitions List of Individuals Presumably Assassinated by Vladimir Putin Russia’s Central Role in Global Affairs: Russia has been a pivotal player in international politics for centuries, impacting major global events due to its strategic geographical position bordering Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Global Influence and Controversies: Today, Russia plays a significant role in conflicts worldwide, affecting international politics, including relationships with the United States....

The term useful idiot, or poleznyi durak in Russian, refers to a person perceived as propagandizing for a cause—particularly a bad cause originating from a devious, ruthless source—without fully comprehending the cause’s goals, and who is cynically being used by the cause’s leaders. Examples in Algeria Bengrina Algerian Message at the Moroccan Border: The Message of Bengrina Similar Terms But Not the Same While “useful idiot” is a term with specific connotations, there are several related terms that, although similar, have distinct meanings and applications....