Research & Policy Writing

As North Korea’s military cooperation with Russia intensifies, security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific and Europe are increasingly intertwined. Nguyen Bao Han Tran analyzes how these developments have accelerated Japan’s defence transformation and prompted NATO to rethink its engagement with Indo-Pacific partners, highlighting the growing importance of transregional security coordination.

The South China Sea remains one of the world’s most contested maritime regions, where escalating coercion threatens regional stability and Vietnam’s sovereignty. As great-power rivalry intensifies, Vietnam must adopt a strategy that protects its territorial integrity without sacrificing autonomy. This memo argues that an Enhanced Non-Aligned Hedging approach offers the most sustainable path forward. By strengthening deterrence through targeted military modernization while deepening multilateral cooperation and strictly upholding the “Four No’s,” Vietnam can manage risks, counter coercive behavior, and preserve strategic flexibility. This balanced strategy positions Vietnam to defend its interests effectively while avoiding entrapment or escalation in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment.

The Lago Agrio case reveals how fragile justice becomes when corporate power collides with human suffering. For decades, Indigenous communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon lived with poisoned water, toxic waste pits, and the long-term health consequences of Texaco’s oil operations. Steven Donziger, the lawyer who took on their fight, helped win a historic $9.5 billion judgment, but soon found himself targeted by Chevron’s vast legal machine. To some, he is a hero who stood up to a corporate giant; to others, a lawyer who crossed ethical lines. This tension between advocacy and accusation exposes the deeper truth of Lago Agrio: the real tragedy is not Donziger’s reputation, but the communities still living with contamination and injustice. The case stands as a stark reminder that environmental justice is never guaranteed; it must be fought for against systems built to resist accountability.

This study examines how teacher behavior and communication shape student motivation, emotional well-being, and academic growth at Dawson College. Through interviews with six students from different programs, the findings show that supportive, clear, and engaged teaching strengthens confidence and learning, while dismissive or rigid approaches create anxiety and hinder progress. The study highlights the powerful role teachers play in shaping both academic outcomes and students’ overall sense of belonging and capability.