This paper undertakes a comparative analysis of the regulatory approaches to Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance adopted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU). Specifically, it examines the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics alongside the EU's AI Act. These two regions present contrasting regulatory philosophies, offering insights into how they navigate the balance between fostering innovation and ensuring ethical AI use.While both frameworks aim to achieve this balance, they diverge significantly in their methods and underlying principles. The differences stem from various factors, including distinct legal and political structures, economic contexts, and philosophical approaches to AI governance. ASEAN and the EU prioritize different aspects of AI regulation based on their regional priorities and challenges.Despite these disparities, the paper suggests that harmonization between the ASEAN AI Guide and the EU AI Act is feasible. Collaborative efforts between ASEAN and the EU could establish global standards that harmonize innovation with ethical considerations in AI development and deployment. Such collaboration could pave the way for a more cohesive global AI governance framework, ensuring consistency and effectiveness across international borders.

The Asia Pacific region is one of the world regions most threatened by climate change - at risk due to rising sea levels and natural disasters. According to UNDP, in 2022, 32.6 million people were internally displaced due to weather-related hazards, with Asia Pacific accounting for 70%. These environmental challenges stand to impose far-reaching implications for peace and security in the region, as well as worsen ongoing humanitarian crises. This research paper aims to examine the crossroads between climate change, security dynamics, and humanitarian challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, looking specifically at how climate change exacerbates existing security threats - such as displacement, scarcity of natural resources, and geopolitical tensions. Furthermore, the paper will evaluate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience strategies implemented by various stakeholders - from national and local governments to civil society. Through the use of case studies, a review of scientific literature on the specific impacts of climate change in the region, and policy documents, the goal of the paper is ultimately to foster a deeper understanding of the adverse impacts of climate change on security and humanitarian needs in the Asia Pacific.

In 2021, Southeast Asia accounted for 1.74 billion metric tonnes of CO2 emissions, with the region’s most productive economies–Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam– accounting for 90% of the emissions. To meet international climate goals, emerging economies in Southeast Asia face a dilemma in choosing between development and decarbonization, especially for less economically developed countries. A regional approach is vital in order to meet international climate goals of ASEAN. Energy cooperation in the region will play a crucial role in helping these countries achieve their climate targets, enhance economic integration, and promote regional stability in the area. This paper will explore the concept of “network based derisking” which aims to incorporate a regional approach into energy transition projects and to reduce the burden of nations to derisk individually.

Amidst the turbulent geopolitical developments in the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. Congress recently introduced “Strengthening the Quad Act" to bolster the power of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD). Informally known as “the Quad,” the QSD is a partnership of four countries—the U.S., India, Australia, and Japan—to strengthen their democratic resilience and cooperative relationship in the Indo-Pacific. This paper explores how technological alliances within the Quad Act can reshape power dynamics and the regional landscape in the Indo-Pacific. It will outline the history of technological collaboration and ongoing cooperative research efforts between the United States and each of the Quad member countries and explore the broader geopolitical shifts in the Indo-Pacific by emphasizing the critical role of technological cooperation. The Quad's efforts include joint academic research, technological development partnerships, and goals to solve workforce shortage problems in high tech industries. These efforts are crucial for jointly addressing national security concerns and fostering economic resilience in the region.

In 2008, the dissolution of Nepal's monarchy marked a significant turning point in the longstanding India-Nepal relationship. The ascension of the Maoist party in Nepal and the increasing influence of China within Nepali politics highlight a pronounced waning of India's influence in the region. Despite Western allies consistently advocating for India as the most viable counterbalance to China in regional disputes, the evident decline of India's influence domestically illustrates an asymmetric rivalry. The surge in Chinese foreign investment and the growing allegiance of the Nepali political elite to Beijing underscores the asymmetrical power dynamics favoring China. This shift in Nepal's geopolitical affiliations offers a crucial case study for Washington, shedding light on the complexities of viewing India as a competitor to China and how India might strategically position itself within its immediate geopolitical sphere.