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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.
The Misplaced Male Anger That Drove the 2022 South Korean Presidential Race
By Nahee Kang and Ye Liu
Today’s young Koreans – both men and women – deserve better than Hell Chosun in one of the wealthiest and most promising economies.
An Important Anniversary Reminds Us: Don’t Forget About Tibet
By Andy Levin
On the anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan uprising against Chinese occupation, we must put Tibetan rights center stage in U.S. foreign policy once again.
The Battle Between Democracy and Autocracy, From Russia to Cambodia
By Sam Rainsy
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a reminder that the pursuit of democracy and peace are intimately connected.
COVID and North Korea: Helping the Population by Delivering Information and Vaccines
By Dominique Fraser
Helping North Korea help itself will require creativity, flexibility, and patience.
Time to End Ambiguity: Ukrainian Lessons for Taiwan and the U.S.
By Mark S. Cogan and Paul D. Scott
If the West will not defend Ukraine, a country of 40 million people and the breadbasket of Europe, will it defend Taiwan?
Lithuania Should Not Have Cancelled Its Vaccine Donation to Bangladesh
By Atif Choudhury
Using COVID-19 vaccines as a tool of coercion is counterproductive and dangerous.
On International Women’s Day There Is Nothing for Uyghur Women to Celebrate
By Zubayra Shamseden
The Chinese state has gone to extraordinary lengths to cover up the suffering of Uyghur women.
Uyghurs Stand With Ukrainians
By Omer Kanat
All of us who have our liberty must do better in ending the nightmares of people under assault, wherever they are.
Malaysia Should Scrap the Death Penalty Once and For All
By Brian Yap
The move would send a strong signal to other Southeast Asian governments.
Singapore’s PAP: The Politics of Dominance
By Shashi Jayakumar
What factors best explain the remarkable longevity of the People's Action Party?
Uzbekistan Should Stop Harassing, Jailing Bloggers
By Svetlana Vorobyeva
Several bloggers have been deprived of their liberty because they used social media platforms to air criticisms in Uzbekistan.
The West Shouldn’t Push India to Condemn Russia
By Krzysztof Iwanek
Instead of lecturing India, the West should take India’s interests seriously and make better offers to New Delhi than Moscow does.