Michael Hollister

Michael Hollister is an investigative journalist and geopolitical analyst focusing on European security policy and Southeast Asian geopolitics. A former European military professional with experience in Balkans peacekeeping operations and IT security management, he analyzes NATO expansion, European militarization, and Western intervention patterns. He publishes across multiple outlets including Consortium News, Manova, and Overton Magazine. His analysis draws on primary source research of government documents, think tank papers, and policy frameworks.

Thailand: The Frontline Nobody’s Watching

Situation Reports - Jan 14, 2026

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Generation Squadron conduct maintenance on an F-16 Fighting Falcon during exercise Cope Tiger 25 at Korat Royal Air Base, Thailand, Mar. 17, 2025. Exercises like CT25 enhance capability and interoperability, while strengthening trust between like-minded nations to ensure the air, maritime, cyber, and space domains remain open to all nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla)

While Europe remains preoccupied with itself, a geopolitical buildup is taking shape in the Indo-Pacific that has long ceased to be mere war-gaming. The third act of the world order won't premiere in Brussels—but in Chumphon, Ranong, Subic Bay, Guam, and most importantly: Bangkok.

Kra Canal Or Landbridge? The Answer Will Shift Global Geopolitics

Backgrounders - Jan 01, 2026

Generated by Google Gemini AI on January 1 2026. All flags, maps, and likenesses contained within this image are not necessarily accurate representations of reality.

Bangkok must now decide on a debate that’s as old as the Thai state – embark on the Kra Canal megaproject or construct a land bridge between the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The result will resonate not just across Thai society, but global geopolitics.

Thailand Shows the West Has Already Lost Southeast Asia

Situation Reports - Dec 23, 2025

U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Mark Caldwell shares his meal ready to eat with a Royal Thai Marine during exercise Cobra Gold 2020 in Chantaburi, Kingdom of Thailand, March 1, 2020. Caldwell, a native of Lookout Mountain, Tenn., is the company executive officer for Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. Exercise Cobra Gold 20 is the largest theater security cooperation exercise in the Indo-Pacific region and is an integral part of the U.S. commitment to strengthen engagement in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan E. Gilbert)

Thailand represents the microcosm of a global shift: a tectonic revolution in Southeast Asia's center. Anyone seeking to understand why the West has lost influence in the region need only look here.