International Institute for Strategic Studies

In this Japan Memo, we explore the complexity of Japan-US-China economic relations – 日米中経済関係：協力と競争の狭間で. Robert Ward is joined by Goto Shihoko and Prof. Eto Naoko for a timely discussion. 🎧 Listen now: https://lnkd.in/eH-h8Sxk | Transcript available.

We look forward to hosting H.E. Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, who will deliver the fourth IISS Raffles Lecture in Singapore on Tuesday 28 October. Speaking on the subject of ‘Resilience the Finnish way: small states in a turbulent world’, Minister Valtonen will outline her country’s strategy of ‘comprehensive defence’, an approach that places equal importance on societal resilience, civil preparedness and the role of the private sector as it does on hard defence capabilities. Organised by IISS–Asia, the IISS Raffles Lecture series invites major figures in Asian and global affairs to Singapore to discuss important developments in the Asia-Pacific region. Sign up to take part online > https://lnkd.in/eA2hysSh

As the US has restructured its force allocations to CENTCOM, simmering conflicts in the Middle East have erupted, highlighting the challenge of deterring conflict amidst a changing global and regional distribution of power. ➡️ Read Sascha Bruchmann's latest analysis ahead of the 21st IISS Manama Dialogue: https://lnkd.in/eTZrjzj4 21st IISS Manama Dialogue 31 October–2 November 2025 #IISSMD25 https://go.iiss.org/MD25

To launch the IISS US Foreign Policy and Transatlantic Affairs research programme, the IISS–Americas hosted an event in New York featuring Ambassador (Ret.) Michael Carpenter, recently appointed as IISS Senior Fellow for Transatlantic Affairs based in Washington. In conversation with Rick Grove, President, US Friends of the IISS, Michael discussed how Russia’s war against Ukraine has become a test case for the viability of the transatlantic security relationship, how domestic considerations and political movements are shaping the trajectory of alliances and geo-economic implications. Interested in attending future events in New York? Please contact the IISS–Americas via email: [email protected]. Find out more about the research programme. https://lnkd.in/eB6NUU84

Cuts to scientific-research funding in the US, combined with an uncertain policy environment, present a real opportunity for Europe to innovate and gain ground in the biotechnology sector. ➡ Read the latest analysis and sign up to the GSIS Executive Briefing here: https://lnkd.in/exiANV6X 🌐 Join industry leaders, policymakers and security experts at the Global Security and Innovation Summit to explore solutions, strengthen partnerships, and shape the future of critical infrastructure security. Global Security and Innovation Summit | #GSISHamburg2025 Hamburg, 22–23 October 2025 https://lnkd.in/eUzY8EHa

Egypt’s August extension of its natural-gas import agreement with Israel was followed by escalating rhetoric on both sides and Israeli threats to derail the deal. ➡️ As we lead into the IISS Manama Dialogue, read the latest analysis from the Middle East Programme by Ellen Clarke: https://lnkd.in/e3CtXk8w 21st IISS Manama Dialogue 31 October–2 November 2025 #IISSMD25 https://go.iiss.org/MD25

The IISS is delighted to announce a number of distinguished speakers who will be discussing the Middle East’s most pressing foreign-policy, defence and security challenges at the 21st IISS Manama Dialogue. 🔹 Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of the Military Committee, NATO 🔹 Zaqy Mohamad, Senior Minister of State for Defence, Singapore 🔹 Admiral Sir Keith Blount, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, NATO 🔹 João Cravinho, Special Representative for the Sahel, European Union The IISS will be welcoming delegations from over 50 countries, led by senior officials including more than 30 cabinet-level ministers. 21st IISS Manama Dialogue 31 October–2 November 2025 #IISSMD25 https://go.iiss.org/MD25

Data has become the essential currency of the digital age, but the frameworks that regulate its movement are fractured and unsettled. Japan’s DFFT initiative aims to enhance the free flow of data across borders, but it faces challenges in achieving widespread acceptance. 👉 Read the latest analysis by Leona Pausch: https://lnkd.in/dC4RyqxE Food for thought ahead of the Global Security and Innovation Summit | #GSISHamburg2025 Hamburg, 22–23 October 2025 https://lnkd.in/eUzY8EHa

Saudi Arabia is rapidly modernising its navy while building a domestic shipbuilding industry. Driven by ageing vessels and shifting strategic pressures, Riyadh aims to combine advanced acquisitions with industrial capability, though challenges in logistics, workforce development and long-term sustainability remain. ➡️ Read the latest #MilitaryBalance blog by Albert Vidal Ribe: https://lnkd.in/esvcukS9 21st IISS Manama Dialogue 31 October–2 November 2025 #IISSMD25 https://go.iiss.org/MD25

How will Iran adapt its missile and nuclear strategy after the recent strikes? At yesterday’s IISS-Europe Breakfast Briefing, our experts Alex Bollfrass, Wolf-Christian Paes and Fabian Hinz discussed Iran’s evolving deterrence posture and the impact of recent attacks on its missile and nuclear infrastructure. The conversation explored: • The damage to Iran’s wider defence and industrial networks • Future directions in Iran’s missile development • Challenges in sustaining a credible deterrence strategy • Prospects for renewed diplomacy in a tense regional environment 🔗 Read more about Iran’s nuclear programme in our analysis: https://lnkd.in/egVhv-6D