Mark S. Cogan

Mark S. Cogan is an Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Japan. He is a former communications specialist with the United Nations in Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East.

Who Will Monitor Thailand’s Upcoming Election?

As Thailand’s 2019 election approaches, some in the country have begun to call for foreign observation of the country’s polls, scheduled for February 24....

POW Diplomacy Won’t Ease Tensions Between Cambodia and Washington

Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry has announced that it had offered to resume cooperation in an effort to search for remains of Americans killed during the...

Three Likely Developments in Democracy-free Cambodia

In late July, Cambodia participated (sort of) in the General Election, without having the option to choose the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP),...

Statelessness: Thailand’s Silent Crisis

Earlier in July, the news media extensively covered the rescue of 12 Thai boys and their soccer coach from the flooded Tham Luang in...

Japanese Diplomacy in Cambodia Looks Well Beyond the 2018 Election

The international community has all but abandoned support for Cambodia’s national elections, scheduled for July 29. A string of events have outraged Western governments...

Small Signs of Resistance to Chinese Dominance in Southeast Asia

When the American strategic ‘pivot’ to Asia collapsed, China took the mantle of hegemonic leadership in Southeast Asia. The question of how to respond...

The Death of Press Freedom in Cambodia Is Shocking, Yet Unsurprising

Media freedom in Cambodia is at an all-time low. Reporters Without Borders reported in April that press freedom in Cambodia had plummeted more than...

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China’s BRI, Kazakhstan, and KIMEP University: The Second Central Asia-China Summit

Trump’s America First weakened U.S. global leadership. China expanded its influence through the BRI and education initiatives. But despite economic gains, it still struggles to improve its image and build real soft power.

Turkey and Drone Warfare in the Pakistan-India Conflict

Turkey's drones reshape South Asia's battlefield. In May’s India-Pakistan clash, Islamabad deployed 400+ Turkish UAVs—marking a new era of proxy warfare and Ankara’s deepening role in global flashpoints.

Kyiv’s Unwavering Anti-China Stance: Ukraine Seeks to Lead Europe in Shifting Perceptions of Beijing

Kyiv is leading Europe’s anti-China turn—accusing Beijing of fueling Russia’s war machine and pushing EU allies to confront China’s role. Ukraine’s fight now includes reshaping Europe’s entire view of Beijing.

The Canada Question in Trump’s MAGA Strategy

Trump’s MAGA playbook eyes Canada—trade wars, Arctic tensions, even 51st state talk. Ottawa pushes back with sovereignty claims and infrastructure in Nunavut. Is this economic pressure or veiled expansionism?

Trump Pushes Boeing to Refocus Geo-Strategy at the Expense of China

Trump’s Gulf tour lands Boeing \$120B+ in deals—part of a bold pivot from China to Middle East allies. But in a world of rising tariffs and shaky supply chains, can the strategy fly?