Latest IISS APRSA Examines Challenges Facing Key Geopolitical Chokepoints

By Anas Abu Hassan

SINGAPORE, May 28 (Bernama) -- The broader implications of the ongoing challenges in the Strait of Hormuz, through which 84 per cent of crude oil bound for Asian markets passed in 2024, are among the key issues examined in the latest edition of the International Institute for Strategic Studies Asia-Pacific Regional Security Assessment (APRSA), released here on Thursday.

The dossier also examined the other major geopolitical chokepoints in the Indian Ocean region, including the Strait of Malacca, from the perspective of strategic competition and the interests of island states shaping regional security dynamics. 

“The APRSA 2026 arrives at a time of strategic flux across the Asia-Pacific, a region we can no longer classify as fully at peace,” said APRSA Editor Dr Evan Laksmana in a statement.

“Regional states are seeking pathways to resilience and demanding more of their defence and security actors to manage the proliferation of security flashpoints.

“These dynamics will be among the key debates at the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, which the dossier will seek to better inform and contextualise,” he added.

According to IISS, the 2026 edition offers an in-depth analysis of major security challenges and policies in this region.

IISS noted that the dossier examines how perceptions, geography and technology shape these security challenges, from military doctrine, current and recent conflicts, nuclear risks and the advancement of quantum technology in the region.

The report, published by IISS, is now in its thirteenth edition and is written by 11 IISS experts.

“While security challenges have always been complex, their pace, scope and intensity have dramatically increased the strategic stakes, meaning that policymakers can no longer avoid the responsibility to respond.

“This annual IISS Strategic Dossier analyses how the three major themes of military doctrine, geography and technology underpin major security challenges and policies across the Asia-Pacific,” it said.

Besides providing “rigorous analysis, original data and graphics” on the Strait of Hormuz topic, it also covers the military doctrines of the United States, China and India, the modernisation of the ground forces of India, Indonesia and Japan; the possibility of a new nuclear arms race centred on the Asia-Pacific and developments in quantum technology.

The dossier also examines the opportunities and challenges for Thailand in taking on an enhanced role within ASEAN’s existing Five-Point Consensus, particularly in addressing the post-coup conflict in neighbouring Myanmar.

The report will be launched on Friday - https://www.iiss.org/events/2026/052/asia-pacific-regional-security-assessment-2026-launch/.

The IISS is a defence and security think tank that has a deep understanding of regional geopolitics and geo-economics within a global context.

-- BERNAMA