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Introduction: Quantum Security and Peace Studies

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Quantum security refers to the use and implications of quantum technologies—such as quantum computing, quantum key distribution (QKD), and quantum sensing—to protect information, communications, and critical infrastructure. It emerges from the “second quantum revolution,” which applies the principles of quantum mechanics to practical technological systems with transformative security implications. Peace studies, by contrast, is an interdisciplinary field concerned with the conditions for sustainable peace, conflict prevention, disarmament, and international cooperation, drawing on international relations theory, ethics, and security studies. The convergence of quantum security and peace studies has become increasingly salient as quantum technologies reshape global power structures. While these technologies offer new tools for verification, secure communication, and early warning in peacekeeping and arms control, they also introduce destabilizing risks, including cyber insec...
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Nepal: Political, Social, and Electoral Snapshot (January 2026)

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Political situation: Nepal is in political flux following the September 2025 Gen Z–led protests, which began over a social media ban and evolved into wider demands for accountability and constitutional reform. The unrest exposed weaknesses in the 2015 Constitution, triggered violent clashes, and led to an interim government headed by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki. Public trust remains low, with critics accusing the interim leadership of failing to address corruption or prosecute protest-related violence. Politics has opened beyond traditional party elites, with business figures, journalists, influencers, and activists entering the arena, alongside a new party fielding LGBTIQ candidates. However, entrenched corruption scandals—especially involving senior figures like former PM KP Sharma Oli—continue to undermine credibility. International actors, notably India and the United States, are pressing for early elections as a path back to democratic stability. Social situ...
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Thailand's Stockpile of Chinese Weapons

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Thailand, a U.S. treaty ally, has significantly increased its procurement of Chinese weapons over the past decade, including VT-4 tanks, VN-1 armored vehicles (with recent 2025–2026 follow-on deals worth ~1 billion baht), FK-3/FN-6 missiles, and the long-delayed S26T (Yuan-class) submarine (contract amended in 2025 for Chinese engines, delivery expected ~2028). Military Reasons - Cost-effectiveness — Chinese systems are 30–50% cheaper than Western equivalents, enabling faster modernization within limited budgets (~1.5% of GDP).   - Quick delivery & fewer restrictions — No stringent end-user agreements or delays common in U.S. sales.   - Diversification — Reduces over-reliance on U.S. hardware (e.g., F-16s) and improves border/maritime capabilities (e.g., amid 2025 Thai-Cambodian tensions). Recent Thai feedback highlights good quality and reliability in many systems. Political Reasons - Hedging & bamboo diplomacy — Balances U.S. alliance with deepe...
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Recent Military Purge (January 2026)

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China’s ongoing military purge reached a critical point on 24 January 2026 with the announcement that General Zhang Youxia , Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), longtime ally of Xi Jinping , and fellow “princeling,” is under investigation for “grave violations of discipline and law.” At the same time, General Liu Zhenli , Chief of the CMC Joint Staff Department, was also targeted. While the purge has unfolded in waves since 2023—encompassing the Rocket Force scandal, two former defense ministers, He Weidong’s expulsion in October 2025, and multiple senior officers—Zhang’s downfall is unprecedented. He was Xi’s closest military confidant, retained his post beyond retirement age, and was one of the few senior PLA leaders with real combat experience from the 1979 Vietnam border war. Key Drivers Absolute loyalty: Xi is signaling that political reliability outweighs expertise or personal ties. Targeting a trusted “sworn brother” underscores that no on...
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The Paradox of Victory: Why Thailand’s Border Ambitions Result in a Strategic Loss

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In the long-standing territorial disputes between Thailand and Cambodia, conventional military assessments often focus on troop movements and tactical positions. However, a deeper analysis suggests that the traditional definition of "winning" is obsolete. While Thailand may project military strength, the reality is a "total loss" scenario in which Thailand has sacrificed far more than Cambodia. By evaluating the conflict through the lenses of international law, economic opportunity costs, and national resilience, it becomes clear that Cambodia has emerged as the more strategic and moral victor. The Burden of Illegal Occupation To understand who "wins," we must first define the term. If winning is defined by the physical occupation of land along the borderline, that "victory" is a hollow one. Under modern international law, contested occupation is not an asset; it is a permanent diplomatic and legal burden. The International Court of J...
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Negative Side Effects of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Beyond Internet Scams and Chinese-Linked Criminal Networks

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Internet scamming and Chinese-linked criminal operations—particularly scam centers operating across Southeast Asia—are among the most visible harms associated with China’s outward economic expansion under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). However, these criminal activities represent only one dimension of a much broader set of negative consequences tied to the initiative. Launched in 2013, the BRI is a vast infrastructure and trade program spanning more than 150 countries. While often promoted as a development engine, it has drawn sustained criticism from institutions such as the World Bank, the Council on Foreign Relations, and numerous independent think tanks for its economic, environmental, social, and geopolitical risks. 1. Debt Sustainability and Economic Vulnerability A central concern is debt distress. Many BRI recipient countries have taken on large, opaque loans for infrastructure projects that generate limited economic returns. In several cases, this has resul...
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Cambodia at an Economic Crossroads: Managing a Triple Shock in an Era of Rising Risk

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Cambodia at an Economic Crossroads: Managing a Triple Shock in an Era of Rising Risk Cambodia’s economy—once praised for its rapid post-pandemic rebound—is now under mounting strain from a convergence of global, regional, and domestic pressures. Economist Jayant Menon has described this convergence as a “triple whammy”: external geopolitical shocks, regional disruptions, and deep-seated internal vulnerabilities. By early 2026, these pressures have intensified, growth expectations have been revised downward, and structural risks have sharpened—particularly following the renewed Cambodia–Thailand border conflict. This analysis builds on Menon’s framework while integrating recent economic trends to assess Cambodia’s risks, constraints, and strategic options as it navigates a period of heightened uncertainty. The Triple Shock: Global, Regional, and Domestic Pressures Collide At the global level, Cambodia faces rising protectionism and deteriorating trade conditions. Increased U...
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