Leadership requires transparency, courage, and human-centred skills amid constant change and AI disruption. Leaders build trust by embracing vulnerability, communicating openly in uncertainty, and developing emotional intelligence, empathy, and self-awareness.

Data centres are becoming increasingly controversial due to their energy, water and land demands. While governments view them as critical for AI, economic growth and data sovereignty, communities are concerned about the centres’ impacts.

The report argues that rising Asian conflict risks (especially from North Korea) increase the likelihood of limited nuclear attacks. It urges stronger deterrence, allied preparedness, and conventional-nuclear integration to respond effectively if nuclear deterrence fails.

AI adoption is widespread, yet security teams remain reluctant to delegate consequential decisions because of privacy, accuracy and accountability concerns. Effective governance requires clear boundaries, explainable outcomes and human responsibility for high-impact actions.

The author argues a sudden collapse of Chinese communist rule could trigger simultaneous military, financial, humanitarian and proliferation crises. Advance international planning should secure strategic weapons, maintain essential services and support legitimate, Chinese-led political reconstruction.

China and the US share concerns that advanced AI could become uncontrollable. China favours regulation and state oversight, over company-led safeguards. Beijing is developing standards to prevent AI from seeking power and evading human control.

The US Air Force’s heavy MQ-9 Reaper losses highlight the vulnerability of expensive multirole drones against modern air defences. The article argues future drone warfare should favour networks of smaller, specialised drones that are cost effective.

The US Space Force has now confirmed ‘space control weapons’ are in orbit to defend against threats from adversaries such as China and Russia. Specific details about the orbital systems remain undisclosed. New target tracking satellites.

Japan is considering submarines capable of faster, longer patrols as regional naval competition intensifies. Greater endurance would expand operational reach, but higher costs, underwater noise and specialised workforce demands remain significant constraints.

This article provides a roundup of strategic issues in our region. Japan and South Korea are reshaping regional capabilities, while tensions in the South China Sea and new Pacific agreements show how quickly the strategic environment is changing.