A Mid-Year Check on US Asia Policy

A Mid-Year Check on US Asia Policy

Author: The Diplomat June 30, 2026 Duration: 17:10

Goodbye INDOPACOM and hello Middle Eastern distractions.

Today on The Diplomat’s Asia Geopolitics podcast hosts Ankit Panda (@nktpnd) and Katie Putz (@LadyPutz) take stock of U.S. Asia policy at the midpoint of 2026, discussing the recent renaming of INDOPACOM and last month’s Shangri-La Dialogue. What are the perception of U.S. Asia policy among regional players amid recurrent distractions caused by conflicts in the Middle East and the uncertain future of US-China relations.

You can subscribe to The Diplomat’s Asia Geopolitics podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; and watch the episode on YouTube.


Each week, Asia Geopolitics takes the headlines from across the vast Asia-Pacific region and unpacks the deeper strategic forces at play. Hosts Ankit Panda and Catherine Putz, drawing on their expertise from The Diplomat, steer these conversations beyond the surface of breaking news. They examine how a military exercise, an election result, or a diplomatic statement ripples through the regional order, affecting alliances, economies, and security. Regular guests join them to provide ground-level insight and diverse perspectives, making complex topics accessible. This isn't just a recap of events; it's a thoughtful analysis of the power dynamics shaping the continent's future. For anyone curious about the real stories behind the news from China, India, Japan, the Koreas, Southeast Asia, and beyond, this podcast offers essential context. Tune in for a clear-eyed and nuanced look at the forces defining the world's most consequential region.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Asia Geopolitics
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