David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 04/09/2026Kyrgyzstan enhanced its reputation this week. Impressive handling of the 26th SCO Summit which looked set to present plenty of challenges, followed by the spectacular World Nomad Games opening ceremony which showcased their fantastic hospitality, culture and traditions. Bishkek’s star is rising. 000
Reposted by David MacSweeneyCSIS Japan Chair @japan.csis.org · 14/07/2026As the U.S. marked its 250th anniversary, @9dashline.com invited @kristigovella.bsky.social, Jagannath Panda, @k-since2024.bsky.social, Alfred Gerstl, & Lai-Ha Chan to analyze how a changing U.S. foreign policy & regional minilateralism are reshaping Indo-Pacific geopolitics. bit.ly/4fgZudPbit.lyFuture of the Liberal International Order in the Indo-PacificAs the US marks its 250th anniversary, we invite several key experts to analyse how a changing US foreign policy and regional minilateralism are reshaping Indo-Pacific geopolitics. 032
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 30/03/2026Top tier analysis on the evolving global order. My thanks to the Frontline Club and guests. Panel: @alexgabuev.bsky.social, @kovrig.bsky.social, Olivia Cheung, and (chair) Robin Brant. 000
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 17/03/2026Credit to Micheál Martin. No place for divisive politics. 000
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 21/01/20261. Demand the maximum—do not ask but demand something that has never been yours. 2. Present ultimatums—and threaten. 3. Do not give one inch in negotiations because there will always be someone in the West that will offer you something. - Kaja Kallas on Russian negotiation tactics. 010
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 11/11/2025“Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam” "A country without a language, is a country without a soul” As @president.ie Connolly assumed office today, great to see the Irish language placed at the heart of her seven year term — another step in Ireland's long journey of renewal. 020
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 04/11/2025New AirNZ Christchurch–Cook Islands route set to deepen people-to-people ties at a moment when every opportunity for enhanced regional connectivity faces intense competition. With Pacific aid set to fall by USD 200m — difficult to ignore the geopolitics around new links like this: shorturl.at/H9ml1shorturl.atCook Islands tourism set for major lift with new seasonal direct flightThis follows Air New Zealand's announcement of a new seasonal direct flight between Christchurch and Rarotonga from May to October 2026. 020
Reposted by David MacSweeney9DASHLINE @9dashline.com · 31/10/2025The Navigator’s October issue — out now! This month we examine: • Australia–PNG’s Pukpuk Treaty — where shared identity is redefining defence • IMF–World Bank & Global South autonomy Stay ahead with our regional roundup. Read here: 9dashline.substack.com/p/the-naviga... Subscribe now!9dashline.substack.comTHE NAVIGATORWelcome to the October edition of The Navigator. Alongside our usual roundup of regional developments, this month’s features examine the contrasting models of sovereignty shaping the Indo-Pacific’s ev... 022
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 30/10/2025Excellent panel at London’s Frontline Club on the rise of authoritarianism in Southeast Asia. Insights from @neiloughlin.bsky.social on Cambodia, Paul Chambers with personal experience of Thailand’s lèse-majesté law, and @laujessie.bsky.social on the importance of the Milk Tea Alliance. 010
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 21/10/2025Thanks to @lauchinainstitute.bsky.social for bringing together two of the clearest thinkers on US–China relations at a pivotal moment. Excellent programme of events for #ChinaWeek2025. 000
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 19/10/2025Psychologists will study this for years. One interpretation: depicts deep need to purge guilt—dropping filth merely an attempt to transform shame into power. Fake glory (crown) rudimentary effort to mask fear of losing control. Pseudo-dominance is just weakness disguised. But we are all now weaker. 021
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 15/10/2025*IF* correct, then exposure to Chinese penetration no longer just a UK crisis—serious implications for EU / institutions and broader joint and collective security arrangements. 010
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 13/10/2025"Prabowo has also instructed the Indonesian Armed Forces to prepare peacekeeping troops for possible deployment in the Gaza Strip, depending on the outcome of the peace summit in Egypt and an approval from the UN Security Council.." www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/gaza-pe...channelnewsasia.comIndonesia President Prabowo takes up ‘sudden invitation’ to attend Gaza peace summit in EgyptIndonesia is believed to be the only Southeast Asian nation attending the summit on the Gaza war agreement, and one of the few attending countries that has not established diplomatic relations with Is... 010
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 21/09/2025Australia’s decision to formally recognise the State of Palestine stands in contrast to Fiji’s move to double down on its support for Israel (which saw Suva open an embassy in Jerusalem this week) underscoring the range of potential wedge issues now shaping key Pacific relations. shorturl.at/BTsJJshorturl.atFiji defies international pressure with Jerusalem embassy opening - ABC PacificAs Israel faces genocide allegations at the UN, Fiji opens its Jerusalem embassy, drawing both praise and backlash across the region. 020
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 19/09/2025Putin providing the ideal (worrying) backdrop to @glandsbergis.bsky.social discussion with @gideonrachman.bsky.social on all things NATO, Ukraine and European security. Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/25uJ...open.spotify.comRussia’s drone incursions put Baltics on alert 092
Reposted by David MacSweeney9DASHLINE @9dashline.com · 17/09/2025New episode 🎙️ In conjunction with the European Parliament in ASEAN Stefania Benaglia joins @zsuzsettte.bsky.social and @richheydarian.bsky.social to discuss the recent SCO summit, focusing on India’s strategic role and evolving EU–ASEAN dynamics. Listen here 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/6FCy... 031
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 12/09/2025In just 6 years the Solomon Islands has gone from key Taiwan ally to adopting China’s surveillance model including familiarising kids with surveillance drones, fingerprint and data collection. Few states illustrate the speed of Beijing’s expanding reach more clearly. www.rnz.co.nz/internationa...rnz.co.nzChina pilots village surveillance in Solomon Islands, seeks stabilityChinese police are piloting fingerprint and data collection to curb social unrest, officials and locals confirmed to Reuters. 020
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 31/08/2025Framing some undoubtedly violent protest as potential “terrorism” and "treason" risks shifting ordinary citizens from modest criminals and/or political actors to existential threats. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08...abc.net.auIndonesia's president to revoke some politicians' privileges after protestsThe Indonesian president's announcement comes after days of protests across the country. 010
Reposted by David MacSweeneyHunter Marston @hmarston.bsky.social · 30/08/2025It was a pleasure to speak to Hollie McKay for this piece @thecipherbrief.bsky.social on #Myanmar alongside the always stellar Derek Mitchell: www.thecipherbrief.com/myanmars-civ...thecipherbrief.comMyanmar’s Civil War Is Tearing the Country ApartAnd Giving China and Russia a Front Row Seat. What's the Cost of Indifference? 123
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 30/08/2025Once rare, now common. The normalisation of state violence in civic spaces is not only reshaping how Europe manages dissent but is also reinforcing perceptions of democratic decline. Each episode makes it harder for Europeans to call out authoritarianism anywhere. 011
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 06/08/2025Last year in Hiroshima, I stumbled on the exact spot where the world’s first atomic bomb exploded—now a profoundly ordinary street and home to apartments, businesses and a car park. In the wake of images from Gaza, an important reminder that recovery—though hard—is possible. 020
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 22/07/2025Future museums will see horrified visitors filing past carefully mounted copies of these reports: news.sky.com/story/more-t...news.sky.comMore than 100 people die of hunger in Gaza, including 80 children, say Palestinian officialsIsrael controls all supplies entering Gaza and has denied it is responsible for food shortages. 020
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 21/07/2025Nothing like digesting Europe’s politics after a trip to Berlin’s leading photography space to remember everyone’s just performing — some just happen to have better lighting. 010
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 08/07/2025Brings to mind Omar El Akkad’s chilling book title: One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This. 010
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 02/07/2025Grateful to @chathamhouse.org and panellists for this evening’s discussion on how the UK can build influence on the Korean Peninsula at a critical moment for European and Indo-Pacific security. 010
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 20/06/2025Warm London evening offset by some cool-headed analysis. Thanks to the #LSEFestival for hosting a fantastic discussion on the future of US-China relations with John Ikenberry, Rana Mitter, Peter Trubowitz and Nathalie Tocci. 020
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 16/06/2025Adding Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu—with tiny populations—to the travel ban list is a unforced error. These are critical frontline Indo-Pacific states and says Washington sees you as a problem, not a key strategic partner. Beijing 'wins' again without lifting a finger: www.rnz.co.nz/internationa...rnz.co.nzThree Pacific nations in Trump's expanded travel ban listIt's part of President Trump's crackdown on foreign nationals from countries that fail to meet "established benchmarks and requirements" for remaining in the US. 020
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 15/06/2025The scramble to stand up VOA Farsi should be an urgent wake-up call about the importance of credible news in contested information spaces. Whatever damage has been done to US credibility in the Indo-Pacific, a return to 'normal service’ would be welcome and still a strategic 'win' for democracy. 000
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 03/06/20253.5% shaping up to be the new "tens of thousands". Nevertheless, a positive step. 000
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 31/05/2025Hearing Hegseth talk of a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan at #SLD25 took me back to my recent visit. It didn’t feel like Taiwan was ready — and I tried to capture why in this piece. 000
Reposted by David MacSweeney9DASHLINE @9dashline.com · 30/05/2025The May issue of The Navigator — out now. We track the India-Pakistan flare-up that revived nuclear fears — and the regional diplomacy that followed. Plus: how China and India are recasting foreign policy as a tool of domestic control. Read: buff.ly/K8rnagr Subscribe now! 011
Reposted by David MacSweeneyHunter Marston @hmarston.bsky.social · 26/05/2025Great episode of The Bridge @9dashline.com ft. Stephen Nagy in conversation with @zsuzsettte.bsky.social & @richheydarian.bsky.social talking about China’s diplomatic engagement in SE Asia: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...podcasts.apple.comXi Jinping in Southeast Asia: Implications for Europe and the Indo-Pacific + Eurovision!Podcast Episode · The Bridge: Europe's Indo-Pacific Podcast · 05/23/2025 · 40m 033
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 20/05/2025Ireland’s ‘Silicon Island’ strategy with billions in subsidies for Samsung and TSMC could see it as a critical node linking European tech autonomy to developments across the Indo-Pacific. Would force Dublin to address risks—i.e. cross-Strait tension, supply chain pressure, domestic security, etc. 000
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 19/05/2025Powerful op-ed from David Hearst. China’s position on the war means its going to be hard(er) for Asia’s Muslim democracies to maintain pro-Western alignment as images from Gaza further shape public opinion. Growing cries of hypocrisy will inevitably feed into foreign policy. buff.ly/8pHhUllmiddleeasteye.netIsrael has already lost the Gaza war. It just doesn't know it yetAs with Vietnam, two factors will end this slaughter: the determination of Palestinians to stay on their land, and mounting public outrage in the West 011
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 19/05/2025Not just a fund—it’s a signal. The EU is preparing for a long period of strategic competition and betting big on deterrence through debt. 000
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 15/05/2025People respond to what feels urgent. If the threat seems distant, the urgency to act will remain low. The challenge for Lai Ching-te’s administration is ensuring his citizens are ahead of the/any threat before it becomes a crisis—while maintaining a sense of normality. 000
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 13/05/2025Pressing questions for the international community. With several high-profile arrest warrants now active, how do you hold (ex)leaders accountable without — (a) Having justice being recast as foreign interference? (b) Turning them into martyrs? 010
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 10/05/2025“If it turns out that India lost a French jet to a Chinese missile fired from over 100km away, then that need is clearly urgent.” Lessons for everyone. www.ft.com/content/ff46...ft.comChina’s J-10 ‘Dragon’ shows teeth in India-Pakistan combat debutSkirmish is first test of Beijing’s military hardware against advanced western technology 000
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 09/05/2025Life in Taiwan feels remarkably normal. And that might be the real danger. I’ve tried to capture some thoughts after a recent visit. Read here: buff.ly/ZOMUTxm 010
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 02/05/2025Among the most important of all annual rankings. Some very interesting positions. 000
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 01/05/2025Thanks to Niall McCabe for a fantastic show and a great cover of Paul Brady's The Island. 000
Reposted by David MacSweeneyHunter Marston @hmarston.bsky.social · 01/05/2025Not just China hawks. Both Waltz and Wong were largely viewed as competent, rational actors and voices of reason within an administration of loyalists. With these two removed, Trump has fewer qualified national security experts giving him advice on a range of global crises. 051
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 28/04/2025"Israel has closed all crossings and it has turned Rafah itself, once a refuge for almost 1.5 million displaced Palestinians into a post-apocalyptic wasteland" 000
David MacSweeney @macsdavid.bsky.social · 24/04/2025Not principally about tariffs—difficult to maintain a constructive long term relationship with someone whose core belief means they are likely to perceive any willingness to negotiate as proof they were being targeted. Everyone loses by reinforcing that assumption and emboldening action elsewhere. 000