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The Debate
The Debate is our home for the best opinions from around Asia. Whether it is negotiating with Iran, responding to North Korean provocations, discussing Japan's looming demographic issues, or considering the new balance of power in the Asia-Pacific, some of the region's leading thinkers offer their take.
History’s Shadow on Japanese Prime Minister’s US Visit
By Patrick Regan and Mindy Kotler Smith
This week’s Japan-Philippines-U.S. trilateral summit comes alongside the 82nd anniversary of the Bataan Death March.
Sustained and Strategic Investments Needed for US-Japan Collaboration
By Susan Berresford and Kazuyo Kato
Japan may not be an immediate problem for the U.S., but our relationship will become a problem if we do not invest in it and the professionals required to foster future cooperation.
Myanmar Asylum Seeker Crisis Needs a Humane and Regional Solution
By Perry Q. Wood
A more coordinated response would open more formal channels for asylum seekers to seek refuge in other countries.
Asian States Must Not Waste the Chance to Address Crimes Against Humanity
By Jan Wetzel
The upcoming UNGA meeting on crimes against humanity is a key opportunity to make progress on an international treaty.
Reenergizing the Thailand-US Relationship
By John Goyer
Recent high-level engagements have improved the mood music in the relationship; that momentum needs to be sustained.
Nuclear Power Plant Construction and Uranium Mining in Kyrgyzstan Pose Unacceptable Risks
By Ilgiz Kambarov
Pursuing nuclear power is a perilous path for Kyrgyzstan, especially given the country's geological instability and a lack of domestic expertise and infrastructure.
The Cracks in India’s Democracy
By Pius Fozan
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently extolled India as the “mother of democracy.” His administration’s crackdown on dissent paints a different picture.
Labor Rights Violations Persist in Uzbekistan
By Lynn Schweisfurth
Cotton producer Indorama Agro silences workers speaking out against rights violations while development banks fail to ensure compliance.
No, Cambodia’s Opposition Does Not Need to Take a Sabbatical
By Mu Sochua
A new non-partisan movement is aiming to give the large Cambodian diaspora a greater voice in the country's politics.
Why Trump’s Conflict of Interest Over a TikTok Sale Matters
By Charles Mok
Trump's sudden opposition to a potential TikTok ban deserves closer scrutiny.
When Diversity Meets Diplomacy: LGBTQ+ Experiences in Foreign Missions
By Jack Hayes
Over two dozen countries in the Asia-Pacific still criminalize same-gender relationships. We need more research on how this impacts LGBTQ+ diplomats – and you can help.
Time for a New Approach to the North Korea Problem. How About Canada?
By Chan Mo Ku
Canada, with its diplomatic experience as an honest broker and history of track two engagement with North Korea, is well-positioned to try its hand at mediation.