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Asia Life
Sports, culture and the arts are a passion for billions in the Asia-Pacific, and offer unique insights into what makes countries here tick. From the latest cricket match to prize-winning novels and the latest art exhibitions, The Diplomat's bloggers cover it all, giving you a fresh perspective on the region.
Why Isn't Game of Thrones Asian?
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
HBO's hit show--steeped in European history--still borrows some notes from Asian history.
The Power of Power: Laotian Village Generates Its Own Electricity
By Luc Forsyth and Gareth Bright
In a remote mountain village of northern Laos, a community has developed their own electrical grid, yet faces an uncertain future.
Russia (Not Completely) Banned from Rio
By Catherine Putz
Russians may run to glory at the Rio Games, just not under their country’s flag.
An American Suicide Jolts Taiwan
By Katherine Wei
An American man commits suicide upon hearing his jail sentence in Taiwanese court.
Laos: The Land of a Million Elephants
By Luc Forsyth and Gareth Bright
The expansion of civilization is pushing humans and elephants closer and closer together.
Artur Żurawski, the Polish Sultan of Indian Cinema
By Krzysztof Iwanek
A Polish director of photography is establishing himself in Bollywood.
Godzilla Resurgence: Japan Reboots Its Most Iconic Monster
By Jonathan DeHart
After a twelve-year hiatus, Godzilla returns to theaters in Japan this July, and could be more relevant than ever.
40 Dead Tiger Cubs Found in Thailand's Tiger Temple
By Roshni Kapur
The discovery adds fuel to accusations the temple mistreats and even traffics its animals.
Hints From a Korean Blockbuster
By Dickson Yeo
“Descendants of the Sun” offers some interesting insights into what makes a hit show in Korea.
Imperial Twilight: Images from the Last Years of the Russian Empire
By Catherine Putz
Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky wanted to capture the empire in color. His photographs are among the last of Imperial Russia.
Damming the Nam Khan in Laos
By Luc Forsyth and Gareth Bright
The Nam Khan river, a major tributary of the Mekong, is being dammed in at least 3 places, displacing thousands.
Indian Politics Is Virtually Everywhere
By Krzysztof Iwanek
In India, even the number of Facebook "likes" counts for politicians.