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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 Risks of Favoring China
By Rizal Ramli
Beijing needs to ensure that its overseas engagements serve local interests, not just Chinese ones.
Global Britain: Why the United Kingdom Needs ASEAN
By Edward Parker
Now is the time for British businesses to look to Southeast Asia and help make the 'Global Britain' slogan a reality.
The Global South China Sea Issue
By SAKAMOTO Shigeki
China’s actions in the South China Sea are no longer just a regional issue.
70 Years on, the Refugee Convention Still Struggles to Gain Traction in the Asia-Pacific
By Emily Venturi
The Asia-Pacific region counts the smallest percentage of state parties to the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol – only 20 out of 48.
All Style and No Substance? Uzbekistan’s Rebranding Is Hollow Without Human Rights
By Matthew Schaaf
A U.S. trip by Uzbekistan’s foreign minister highlights the gap between Tashkent’s rhetoric and reality on human rights.
American Pacific Islanders Deserve Protection – In the Pacific
By Robert C. O’Brien
It’s past time to provide U.S. maritime protection to American Samoa.
‘Build Back Better World’ and the Belt and Road Are Not Necessarily at Odds
By Keren Zhu
Notwithstanding China-U.S. competition, there are a lot of ways in which the two initiatives are complementary.
Envisioning Central Asia’s Green Recovery
By Anna Bjerde
For Central Asia, a green, resilient, and inclusive recovery opens great opportunities for prosperity.
The Future of Asia’s Battle Against Online Misinformation
By Jeff Paine
Blunt “fake news” legislation is open to easy abuse. There are other good options for tackling the complex problem of misinformation.
Myanmar’s Democratic Vision Depends on Including Rohingya, Other Ethnic Minorities
By Wai Wai Nu
“We will never be free until all of us are free.”
EU Energy Project in Nepal Sets Landmark Precedent on Indigenous Consent
By Anirudha Nagar
The European Investment Bank has large investments in Nepal, with four projects in its energy sector, but has done little to stop rights violations.
Women are Key to the Humanitarian Response in Myanmar
By Maggi Quadrini
Since the coup, local women’s organizations have stepped up to meet the growing need of support for internally displaced populations, the majority of whom are women and children.