Blog
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.
Formula One Racing Returns to Asia
By Samuel Chi
The circuit comes back for Singapore’s Grand Prix, with more than a little drama.
The Magic of Nasta‘liq Calligraphy
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
The Diplomat's Akhilesh Pillalamarri reflects on a Washington D.C. exhibition of Persian nasta‘liq calligraphy.
Self-Perceptions Strain Hong Kong-Mainland Relations
By David Volodzko
Differences in culture and social perceptions are informing the current political tensions.
Stephen Colbert: ‘I Will be the 15th Dalai Lama’
By Zachary Keck
The host of "The Colbert Report" wants to be Tibetan Buddhists’ next religious leader.
Kei Nishikori’s Very Big Tournament
By Samuel Chi
He may have come up just short, but Kei Nishikori certainly made a big impact at the U.S. Open.
The Outlook for LGBT Rights in Myanmar
By Matthew McFetridge
Constitutional reform offers the chance of protection and rights to a marginalized segment of society.
Japan’s Nishikori Makes US Open Semifinal
By Samuel Chi
He becomes the first Asia-born man to make it that far at a Grand Slam tournament.
Private Universities in Japan: A Race to the Bottom?
By Rong Zhang and Dennis McCornac
In pursuing quantity over quality, struggling Japanese universities may be setting themselves up for disaster.
The World of Yangon’s Tire-Cutters
By Jacob Goldberg
A student documentary offers glimpse into a unique profession.
A Former Japanese Yankii Gets a World-Class Education
By Kyla Ryan
How a one-time underachiever eventually enrolled in one of the world’s most prestigious universities.
Korea’s Plagiarism Problem
By David Volodzko
Plagiarism, fake credentials, and dry labbing occur everywhere, but seem to be particularly prevalent in South Korea.
Chinese Drop-Off in US Graduate Schools Triggers False Alarm
By Elizabeth C. Economy
The number of Chinese students applying to US grad schools has tapered, but this should not be cause for alarm.