The enduring tendency to “center the United States” in foreign affairs analysis—both in the United States (U.S) and, increasingly, in Australia—is limiting real understanding of Southeast Asian strategic perspectives at the staff officer level.
President Putin made three foundational assumptions in launching his war against Ukraine that should have been correct but were not. First, Putin assumed the invasion of Ukraine would be a quick and easy fight. Second, he assumed the world would denounce the invasion but tacitly allow it. Third, Putin assumed the war would deter NATO expansion.
