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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 US Is Falling Behind China in the Race for Electric Vehicles
By Dennis Blair and Robbie Diamond
Unless things change, and soon, Beijing will corner the market on the materials, components, and vehicles that will power the 21st century economy.
Myanmar’s Coup Has Given Way to the Struggle of a Lifetime
By Saw Kapi
“Enough is enough," says one young protester. "I don’t want to live under the military dictatorship.”
Winning the Fight Against COVID-19 in Conflict Zones
By Dotan Haim, Nico Ravanilla and Renard Sexton
New research from the Philippines suggests that with hard work, it is possible to overcome ingrained mistrust.
Mun Chol Myong: The First-Ever North Korean Criminal Facing Extradition to the US
By Jason Bartlett and Jason Bartlett
This is a major development not only in sanctions enforcement against illicit North Korean activity abroad.
The Evolution of Vietnamese Foreign Policy After the 13th Party Congress
By Le Dinh Tinh and Lai Anh Tu
Buoyed by its successful handling of COVID-19, Vietnam is readying itself to play an increasingly proactive and confident regional role.
It’s Time to Reexamine US Sanctions on North Korea
By Jessica J. Lee
Ever-tightening U.S. sanctions have not achieved policy goals, while severely limiting humanitarian activities inside North Korea.
COVID-19: The Fight Is Far From Over in Cox’s Bazar
By Poonam Khetrapal Singh
Bangladesh has so far successfully limited the health impact of COVID-19 in Cox’s Bazar, where upwards of 850,000 Rohingyas reside. But the international community must continue to step up and support the response.
After a Brutal Week for Myanmar and Hong Kong, the UK Must Take Action
By Benedict Rogers
The United Kingdom – as the former colonial ruler in both places – has a special responsibility to both Hong Kong and Myanmar.
Plus Ça Change: Biden’s Emerging Foreign Policy
By Abhijnan Rej
Saudi Arabia and Myanmar offer early glimpses of how U.S. foreign policy under the new administration could shape up.
Millions of Asian Migrant Children Live Life on the Margins
By Olof Blomqvist and Daniela Reale
The millions of migrant children in Asia are among the planet’s most vulnerable people.
Myanmar Crisis Hinges on Stance of Ethnic Political and Armed Organizations
By Philipp Annawitt
Ethnic political and armed actors are natural allies of the anti-coup resistance, but they are ambivalent about Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD.
Myanmar and Sri Lanka: Bound by Travails
By Thusiyan Nandakumar
The February coup in Myanmar should serve as a wake-up call when it comes to Sri Lanka.