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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 Military Tightens Its Grip on Access to Information in Myanmar
By Emilie Lehmann-Jacobsen
To maintain the upper hand after the coup, the Tatmadaw is doing its best to choke off the flow of information.
Laos’ Pointless Election
By Mu Sochua
The country votes in tightly-controlled elections this weekend – but don't expect anything much to change.
This Is Not the Time for Foreign Governments to Stay ‘Neutral’ in Myanmar
By Kim Jolliffe
Myanmar is approaching an inflection point, but the window for meaningful foreign action is quickly closing.
On ‘Comfort Women’ and Academic Freedom
By Joseph Yi and Joe Phillips
The recent controversy over a Harvard professor’s article showcases how limited the space for debate and discussion on the issue has become.
How Timor-Leste Financed Its COVID-19 Efforts
By Aashna Jamal and Aashna Jamal
Despite domestic political gridlock, the country was able to secure funds to guard against COVID-19 – but its experience suggests many lessons for the future.
Rowing Between Two Reefs: Indonesia’s Infrastructure Investment Strategy
By Eko Saputro
Jakarta has sought to engage with any foreign government willing to support its domestic development agenda.
South Korea’s Dubious Comfort Women Ruling
By Jinyul Ju
Why the court got it wrong on international law
South Korea: United Nations Command, the Bête Noire of Alliance Management
By Anthony W. Holmes
The UNC is the target of deep distrust and sometimes paranoia in South Korea. Why?
Parsing Australia’s Insecurity Complex
By Ross B. Taylor
As the annual debates over Australia Day show, Australians continue to grapple with their country's place in the Asia-Pacific.
The Fight at the Front: Securing Rights for India’s Rural Health ‘Volunteers’
By Ayesha Pattnaik
ASHA and Anganwadi workers play an extremely important role in India’s villages. Its time they are recognized as such.
The Coup in Myanmar: Where is the NLD?
By Philipp Annawitt
The most domestically popular party in the world needs to find new leaders to unify and guide the resistance to the coup in Myanmar.
The WHO Should Be More Wary of China
By Ben Lowsen
From the recent investigation in Wuhan and beyond, the WHO is staking its credibility on the word of a malicious actor.