Indo-Pacific

Encompassing the nations of South and East Asia, the Indo-Pacific holds some of the greatest promise and most difficult challenges in the world. Home to some of the fastest-growing economies, greater trade links and development cooperation are positioning the region to be the driver of economic growth in the next century. Lingering conflicts and growing geopolitical competition between the region’s powers, however, could endanger the stability of the region and limit its potential global leadership.

Projects

Close up of tiger

The Tiger Project: War and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific

Explore the Atlantic Council’s work on current and enduring defense and deterrence issues in the Indo-Pacific, featuring expert commentary, multimedia content, and in-depth analysis.

Explore the programs

The Global China Hub tracks Beijing’s actions and their global impacts, assessing China’s rise from multiple angles and identifying emerging China policy challenges. The Hub leverages its network of China experts around the world to generate actionable recommendations for policymakers in Washington and beyond.

The Indo-Pacific Security Initiative (IPSI) informs and shapes the strategies, plans, and policies of the United States and its allies and partners to address the most important rising security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, including China’s growing threat to the international order and North Korea’s destabilizing nuclear weapons advancements. IPSI produces innovative analysis, conducts tabletop exercises, hosts public and private convenings, and engages with US, allied, and partner governments, militaries, media, other key private and public-sector stakeholders, and publics.

Events

Content

Econographics

Oct 13, 2025

Expect IMF-World Bank meeting debates over China, the US, Ukraine, and more—behind closed doors

By Martin Mühleisen

Behind closed doors, delegates are likely to tackle questions around Washington's relationship with the IMF, China's economic performance, and the role of the Bretton Woods institutions.

China Financial Regulation

New Atlanticist

Oct 12, 2025

As the trade war resumes, China may be keeping one eye on Trump and one on the Supreme Court

By Josh Lipsky

The US president’s leverage with Xi Jinping could be undercut by the Supreme Court's deliberations.

China Trade and tariffs

EnergySource

Oct 6, 2025

Why are major economies choosing the same electricity sources?

By Joseph Webster and Hansika Nath

Despite major economies' differing development and resource levels, many are turning to the same energy sources to meet their new electric capacity needs.

Brazil China

Issue Brief

Oct 6, 2025

Chinese demand for timber and wildlife in West Africa: Responding to the environmental and social impacts

By Ebagnerin Jérôme Tondoh, Roland Balgah, Caroline Costello, Moses Fayiah, Jean-Luc Kouassi, and Christine A. I. Nougbodé Ouinsavi

West Africa’s forests are vital for climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, poverty alleviation, and economic growth.

China Climate Change & Climate Action

Issue Brief

Oct 6, 2025

Chinese fishing in West Africa: Responding to the environmental and social impacts

By Ebimboere Seiyafa, Awa Niang Fall, Ellis Adjei Adams, Kadidia Kane, Isa Elegbebe Olalekan, Kodjo N’Souvi, and Salamatu Joana Tannor

Chinese companies have rapidly expanded into West Africa’s fishing sector, often operating illegally in prohibited coastal waters.

China Climate Change & Climate Action

Issue Brief

Oct 6, 2025

Chinese mining in West Africa: Responding to the environmental and social impacts

By Abosede Omowumi Babatunde, Richard Asante, Joseph Asunka, Joshua Eisenman, Fancies Egu Lansana, Sanusha Naidu, Igwe Ogbonnaya, Youmanli Ouoba, and Boukary Sangare

Chinese entities are expanding legal and illegal mining for minerals in West Africa.

Africa China

MENASource

Sep 30, 2025

ISIS has its sights set on a new potential ally—Uyghur jihadi groups

By Morgan Tadych

The burgeoning ISIS-K and Turkestan Islamic Party partnership is likely to further threaten Chinese interests.

China Extremism

MENASource

Sep 26, 2025

The Saudi-Pakistan defense pact highlights the Gulf’s evolving strategic calculus

By Eleonora Ardemagni

In Riyadh’s multi-aligned policy, signing a mutual defense deal with Pakistan is complementary, not alternative, to US security guarantees.

India Indo-Pacific

In the News

Sep 25, 2025

Daniels weighs the consequences of the US-China AI Race on Network 20/20

By Atlantic Council

On September 17, Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow Owen Daniels was featured on the Network 20/20 Virtual Briefing Series alongside Janet Egan and Sam Winter-Levy.

Artificial Intelligence China

UkraineAlert

Sep 24, 2025

What we can learn from Tibetan and Ukrainian freedom fighters

By Nolan Peterson

Nolan Peterson reflects on his experience embedded in the Tibetan and Ukrainian freedom struggles as he has sought to understand how these two nations summoned the will to defy the empires that meant to destroy them.

China Conflict

Experts

Events