Israel-Iran Escalation Reshapes Asian Geopolitics

Tensions in West Asia have escalated dramatically following Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities, which triggered retaliatory missile attacks by Iran and shattered hopes for regional detente. This conflict has raised concerns over global economic stability due to rising oil prices and disrupted trade routes. In response to the growing volatility, Southeast Asian nations are adopting pragmatic, issue-based partnerships with various powers such as Japan, India, and the EU, rather than aligning strictly with either the U.S. or China. Regional leaders, including Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim and France’s Emmanuel Macron, advocate for active non-alignment and caution against the polarizing influence of global superpowers. In South Korea, President Lee Jae-myung's administration may pursue a security policy more independent of the U.S.-Japan alliance, with greater openness toward China and North Korea. These developments collectively signal a shift toward strategic autonomy as countries adapt to rising geopolitical and economic uncertainty.