Expert Commentary

Expert Commentary features quick-reaction analysis  in which a number of fellows discuss a developing event or topic. This series aims to distill complex issues by explaining the key facts in short, concise responses.

The Legacy of Taiwan’s Lee Teng-hui

On July 30, 2020, former President Lee Teng-hui of Taiwan passed away at the age of 97. He had served as vice president to President Chiang Ching-kuo, the son of Chiang Kai-shek, before becoming president himself. Lee was the...

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Beyond COVID-19, Part 13: Chaos in Hong Kong, A Georgian Anniversary, and Military Moves in Libya

Maia and Aaron are back with us this week! Last week, we took a little detour to discuss the inauguration of President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan. It’s worth a read if you’d like to learn more about Taiwan’s COVID-19...

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Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen Begins Her Second Term amid a Pandemic

On May 20, 2020, President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan began her second term in office. In a more subdued ceremony than is the norm, Tsai took the office of oath, along with new Vice President Lai Ching-te. Her second...

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Beyond COVID-19, Part 12: Taiwan’s International Stock Rises as Turkey’s Falls

Mid-May is upon us. I would like to thank our readers who have loyally read our weekly discussions throughout the pandemic. I hope you all are healthy and safe, and continue to stay the course in staying at home....

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Beyond COVID-19, Part 11: Political Shake-up in Ukraine and Baseball Returns in Asia

Congratulations to our readers: you made it to May! Celebrate the small victories, and do something special for yourself today (aside from reading today’s titillating conversation, of course). Some states are beginning a slow re-opening, but please continue to...

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Beyond COVID-19, Part 10: The Death of Arms Control and the Birth of Putinism 3.0

Tomorrow, May begins. The weather is warming up, the flowers are blooming, and the birds are chirping—but we remain inside. This nicer weather makes it particularly more difficult to obey quarantine and social distancing rules, but doing so will...

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Beyond COVID-19, Part 9: Space Launches and Growing Authoritarian Crackdowns

The end of April is in sight. Most of us have been working from home and living under quarantine and social distancing policies for six weeks now, but somehow, April’s almost over. Some misguided individuals are now protesting to...

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Beyond COVID-19, Part 8: The European Energy Market

We’re at the end of week five of social distancing and quarantine. We’ve made it to mid-April, so congratulate yourselves on getting this far. It’s been a tough few weeks, but we’re getting through the pandemic one day at...

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Beyond COVID-19, Part 7: Turkish Economic Problems, China’s Human Rights, and Progress in the War in Ukraine

Week four of social distancing and quarantine is coming to a close in the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We’re starting to see some encouraging signs about curves flattening, but the death toll this week has been a tragedy. This...

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Beyond COVID-19, Part 6: U.S.-China Relations at a Standstill

We’re now in week four of social distancing and quarantine. Today, we’re welcoming our second guest to the Beyond COVID-19 discussion. Jacques deLisle is joining me to discuss important issues related to China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and East Asia....

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