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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.
Why Indonesia Should Stand With Ukraine
By Edward Parker
In an increasingly turbulent global strategic environment, it is high time for Indonesia to get off the fence.
International Aid in Afghanistan Must Lay Foundations for Development
By Alexander Matheou
It is more urgent than ever that Afghan national actors are placed center-stage.
How to Save Thailand and Malaysia From Rising Sea Levels
By Piyali Banergee
A recent meeting between the nations' leaders was a missed opportunity to address one of the most pressing challenges of the coming century.
Press Freedom in Kyrgyzstan Is Headed in the Wrong Direction
By Miranda Patrucic
We’ve seen how important it is that citizens of a country know the truth and are exposed to more than just propaganda. Kyrgyzstan’s backsliding is deeply concerning.
Will Yoon Suk-yeol Finally Reform South Korea’s National Security Law?
By Meredith Shaw and Joseph Yi
Reform will be difficult under a conservative president, but ending the state’s power to punish speech and restrict information is ultimately in the best interests of South Korea.
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.