IPSC Insights · Director’s Analysis

Director’s Insights

Policy briefs, commentaries and strategic reflections from Dr Hugh Tuckfield, Founder and Executive Director of the Indo-Pacific Studies Center.

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About the Series

Independent strategic judgement on the Indo-Pacific.

The Director’s Insights series presents strategic reflections from Dr Hugh Tuckfield, Founder and Executive Director of the Indo-Pacific Studies Center.

The series examines the forces shaping the Indo-Pacific order, including strategic competition, sovereignty, security, regional diplomacy, technology, economic statecraft and geopolitical-risk exposure.

These pieces are distinct from IPSC institutional reports. They provide personal analytical judgement, structured argument and policy-relevant reflection intended to sharpen debate and inform decision-makers.

Director’s Insights Series

Selected policy briefs and commentaries.

Browse selected Director’s Insights publications on strategic alignment, regional order, Taiwan Strait risk, US-China relations and Indo-Pacific security.

Issue 4

Taiwan’s new leader faces China.

A strategic assessment of Taiwan Strait risk and the pressures shaping regional security.

Issue 3

US-China ties and strategic coexistence.

Analysis of strategic manoeuvring, coexistence and the changing logic of Sino-American relations.

Issue 2

The Camp David trilateral summit.

A review of trilateral cooperation and its implications for Indo-Pacific security architecture.

Issue 1

Indo-Pacific power players.

How geopolitical alliances shape the region’s strategic trajectory and future balance of power.

Director’s Commentaries

Featured

The Indo-Pacific Defense Pact That Won’t Be: Security Without a Signature

AUKUS: A Strategic Necessity, Not a Risky Gamble

AUKUS is more than just a submarine deal—it’s Australia’s strategic investment in long-term security and technological superiority. Critics argue it undermines sovereignty, but in reality, AUKUS strengthens Australia’s defense autonomy, regional deterrence, and access to advanced military capabilities. Read our latest analysis on why AUKUS is the best path forward.

Upcoming Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting to Tackle Critical Indo-Pacific Issues

The Indo-Pacific region is set to witness another significant diplomatic engagement as the foreign ministers of Japan, the United States, Australia, and India prepare to convene in Tokyo on July 29 for the highly anticipated Quad foreign ministers' meeting. This gathering aims to address a host of pressing regional issues, reinforcing the QAUD’s commitment to maintaining stability and promoting a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

Why NATO is Now Calling China a ‘Decisive Enabler’ of Russia in the Ukraine War

Insights from United States Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell's Meeting with the Pacific Islands Forum Delegation

"Strengthening Ties: The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Between Vietnam and Australia"

A Strategic Partnership: Australia and the Philippines Unite for Regional Security

China's Latest Play: Offering Millions to Palau in Exchange for Friendship

Is the U.S. losing the Pacific to China? The impact of Congressional delays on funding approvals.

China Sanctions US Research Firm Over Uyghur Claims of Human Rights Violations

U.S. Defense Policy Shifts with $886 Billion Legislation: A Review

Biden signs an $886 billion defense policy package into law, outlining a comprehensive strategy aimed at addressing rising challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

Australia signs a security pact and migration agreement with Tuvalu. Is this Australia's way of countering China’s influence in the Pacific?

US President Joe Biden hit out at China's "economic coercion" at the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan.

The G7 Summit in Hiroshima: Key Issues for the Indo-Pacific

The Quad is not a one-off event or a photo opportunity, but a long-term process and a strategic partnership

Biden’s Quad Summit in Australia: A Signal to China?

Australia will host the 2023 Quad Leaders’ Summit in Sydney on 24 May

The European Union’s Commitment to the Indo-Pacific Reaffirmed at the First-ever EU-Indo-Pacific Ministerial Meeting, in Brussels on 13 May 2023

The EU-Indo-Pacific Ministerial Meeting in Stockholm 13 May 2023

Asia and the Pacific Accounted for 80% of Displacements Due to Extreme Weather Events Linked to Climate Change

The Indo-Pacific accounts for 80% of displacements linked to climate and extreme weather events.

The Nexus Between International Relations and Human Rights

What is the relationship between human rights and international relations?

China pressures Germany to Support Reunification with Taiwan

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang attend a joint press conference at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China

Fiji's Prime Minister confirms support for the West Papua independence campaigners, the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), to become full members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group

Benny Wenda, left, and the Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka Photo: Government of Fiji

Cambodia’s PM revokes the licence of Online Khmer- and English-language outlet Voice of Democracy

Cambodia foreign ministry spokesman rejects concerns of the US, French and German embassies about the closure of Online Khmer- and English-language outlet Voice of Democracy. (2 m read)