Explainer

Nearly a decade after Aleppo became a battleground in Syria’s civil war, the city has once again become a focal point of conflict. The fall of Aleppo to an amalgamation of rebel

The South China Sea has become a flashpoint of conflict, with China’s militarization clashing with Philippine territorial claims. Heightened tensions, U.S. alliances, and ongoing confrontations increase the risk of broader regional conflict.

Australia’s first comprehensive national defense strategy comes as Chinese coercion around Taiwan and in the South China Sea sparks heightened concerns about Beijing’s intentions and ambitions in the region.