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1 month ago | 
scmp.com | James Borton
The South China Sea has long been a flashpoint in geopolitical tensions, but beneath its contested surface lies one of the planet’s most scientifically compelling marine frontiers. Home to an array of deep-sea ecosystems, hydrothermal vents, underwater mountain ranges and vast coral reef systems, the region is increasingly recognised as a natural laboratory for cutting-edge oceanographic research.
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1 month ago | 
moderndiplomacy.eu | James Borton
Authors: James Borton and Vu Hai Dang*It was 1975, and the Mediterranean—cradle of civilizations, muse to poets, and lifeblood to millions—was in trouble. The once-pristine waters that had carried the dreams of empires were choking on pollution, overfishing, and neglect. In response, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) launched what was then a radical experiment: the Mediterranean Action Plan.
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1 month ago | 
thehill.com | James Borton
As the NBA playoffs captivate millions of basketball fans across the United States, demand for athletic shoes and gear is rising and projected to surge over the next decade. The playoffs aren’t just a showcase of pro basketball talent; they are also a massive marketing opportunity for such sportswear giants as Nike and Adidas, whose products dominate the courts. Yet even as these brands enjoy heightened visibility, their supply chains face a looming crisis.
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1 month ago | 
finance.yahoo.com | James Borton
Unlock stock picks and a broker-level newsfeed that powers Wall Street. James Borton, opinion contributor Thu, May 1, 2025, 12:00 PM 5 min read As the NBA playoffs captivate millions of basketball fans across the United States, demand for athletic shoes and gear is rising and projected to surge over the next decade.
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1 month ago | 
eastasiaforum.org | James Borton
30 April 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon — a moment etched into history not only as the end of the Vietnam War but also as a stark symbol of abandoned allies and the collapse of US ambitions in Southeast Asia. In August 2021, eerily similar scenes unfolded in Kabul as the United States completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan, again leaving behind a fragile government and uncertain future.
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2 months ago | 
responsiblestatecraft.org | James Borton
Vietnam’s trade fortunes have taken a dramatic turn. Once slapped with a staggering 46% tariff in President Donald Trump’s initial “Liberation Day” trade offensive, the Southeast Asian nation now finds itself in a much better spot — benefiting from a reduced 10% tariff rate, in line with most other countries. It’s a striking reversal that highlights Hanoi’s stepped-up diplomatic hustle on the global stage.
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2 months ago | 
asiatimes.com | James Borton
With the NCAA Championship final set to grip millions of basketball fans in the US and beyond, demand for athletic shoes and gear is reportedly skyrocketing. The March Madness tournament isn’t just a showcase of college basketball talent; it’s also a massive marketing opportunity for sportswear giants like Nike and Adidas, whose products dominate the hardwood courts. But while these brands enjoy heightened visibility amid the spectacle, their supply chains face a looming crisis.
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Mar 6, 2025 | 
geopoliticalmonitor.com | James Borton
In an age where political discourse is dominated by spectacle, bombast, and relentless self-promotion, the United States could benefit from the quiet, introspective cynicism of Graham Greene’s The Quiet American. Just over a month into his presidency, Donald Trump’s White House has been defined by incendiary rhetoric, brash nationalism, and transactional realpolitik, often prioritizing bold declarations over measured diplomacy.
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Feb 8, 2025 | 
scmp.com | James Borton
The Trump administration’s decision to freeze international assistance and gut federal agencies has sent shock waves across the globe, with profound implications for Southeast Asia. One of the most significant consequences is the shuttering of United States Agency for International Development programmes, a move that threatens to disrupt humanitarian aid, development initiatives and disaster relief efforts across the Greater Mekong region. Since its establishment in 1961 by US president John F.
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Feb 6, 2025 | 
geopoliticalmonitor.com | James Borton
As Southeast Asia solidifies its role as a critical region for global trade and security, it offers both challenges and opportunities for the United States. While the Trump administration is rapidly rolling out its promised ‘America First’ agenda, fostering robust relationships with Southeast Asian nations is essential for maintaining US economic and strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific.
