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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.
UK-ASEAN Dialogue Partnership Paves Way to Potential Future Trade Accord
By Andrew Hood and Bob Savic
Since its exit from the European Union, London has moved swiftly to deepen its relationship with a fast-growing region.
China, Wolf Warrior Diplomacy and Taiwan
By KODA Yoji
Beijing’s recalcitrance is ultimately going to be unsustainable.
The US Should Support South Korea’s Nuclear Submarine Aspirations
By Jihoon Yu and Erik French
After offering SSNs to Australia, it’s time to extend similar support to South Korea.
How Asia Can Achieve a Just Energy Transition in a Post-COVID World
By Nithi Nesadurai and Hang Dao
A just transition to renewable energy is not just good for the environment, it’s great for the economy, too.
Pakistan’s Shameful Glee at the Taliban’s Rise
By Mohsin Dawar
An elected representative of North Waziristan urges the Pakistani government to confront the reality of what the Taliban’s rise to power in Afghanistan will mean for Pakistan.
19 Months Into the Pandemic, China Is Still Shutting Out US Students
By Ethan McAndrews, Anthony Edwards, and Hannah Sorenson
Beijing’s lack of foreign student reciprocity poses a major threat to the long-term future of the China-U.S. relationship.
The US Can’t Blame Pakistan for Its Failure in Afghanistan
By Khawaja Akbar
Pakistan was a factor but by no means the most significant one in the Taliban’s rapid takeover.
Backing the Wrong Horses: American Blowback From Vietnam to Afghanistan
By Rizal Ramli
Washington has repeatedly intervened in other nations, with ostensibly good intentions. Yet it has achieved none of its purported foreign policy goals.
Show Us Your Credentials: The Battle for Myanmar at the UN
By Patrick Phongsathorn
For the General Assembly to accord recognition to Myanmar's junta would effectively sanction armed seizures of power.
How the Movement for Black Lives Can Help Myanmar Activists
By Eraldo Souza dos Santos
As Martin Luther King, Jr. once wrote, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Relief Agencies Should Push for Independent Access to Myanmar’s Rakhine State
By Laetitia Van Den Assum and Kyaw Hsan Hlaing
Since the February coup, the Arakan Army has reportedly gained effective control of 75 percent of the state's townships.
Uzbekistan Should Do More to Help Afghans
By Mihra Rittman and Hugh Williamson
Tashkent has assisted Western countries in evacuating some Afghans, but Uzbekistan can and should do more.