Emerging technologies are bringing advanced capabilities to more countries and adding new ambiguities, which only increase risk. Failing to strengthen controls now will lead to a new arms race.

The rise in US-China frictions has led some Americans to call for an increase in US support for Taiwan—even a return of American military forces. However, basing US troops in Taiwan will unnecessarily complicate an already complex situation and undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

China and the United States have long seen technology as both a sign of hope and a reason to worry. The impact of recent U.S. escalations against China remain to be seen.

As the United States tries to recruit India into its anti-China coalition, India should be cautious. While the chance of a war is remote, the growing strategic confrontation between the world’s two largest economies could put it in a bind.

For now and the foreseeable future, gaming will be intensified, making compromise difficult. It will likely remain peaceful and manageable on the whole, but uncertainties are growing.

Any resolution of the nuclear issue must start with the recognition of the DPRK’s deep concerns. While the six-party talks have not yet resumed and risks remain, China will remain critical to the future outcome.

Americans can attempt to shift blame for their troubles onto China, but that won’t solve any of the real problems they face. China’s successes cannot be erased by political rhetoric. Attempting to do so will only bring more trouble.

Two Arab states established relations with Israel in the name of peace, but the likely result will be more turmoil. Palestinians will feel ever more isolated, especially if the United States succeeds in getting more countries in the neighborhood to follow suit.

Already hotly contested, the South China Sea is seeing an uptick in movement since certain European powers have gotten involved. It remains to be seen how far Europe is willing to go in shaping the maritime disputes along its preferences and provisions of international law.

Once again the annual assessment is filled with unfounded suspicion and smears. Nevertheless, with relations at low ebb between China and the United States, relations between the two militaries will be the key to peace.