Blog
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.
Wuhan and the Need for Improved Global Biosecurity
By Shambhavi Naik and Aditya Ramanathan
While the Wuhan virus is a natural pathogen, its rapid spread ought to be a reminder of our vulnerability to bioweapons attacks as new technologies revolutionise access to deadly germs and toxins.
Afghanistan’s Mineral Resources Are a Lost Opportunity and a Threat
By Ahmad Shah Katawazai
Without a coherent strategy, Afghanistan's vast mineral resources represent both a lost opportunity and a threat to national security.
How Other Countries Can Survive the US-China Competition
By Gedaliah Afterman
Smaller powers should create new coalitions in face of ongoing superpower competition.
Is India Becoming an Elected Autocracy?
By Prabhash Ranjan
Looking at recent events in India through the lens of How Democracies Die.
Sam Rainsy Is Not a Coward
By Mu Sochua
The attempt by Sam Rainsy to return to Cambodia on November 9, 2019, though unsuccessful, shows who is afraid.
The Coronavirus and Governance
By Mie Oba
How countries deal with issues like this latest coronavirus is a concern for all.
US Interests Are Not Served by Making a Scapegoat of South Korea
By Sukjoon Yoon
The U.S.-South Korea SMA negotiations have devolved into a blatant shakedown. That's bad for both sides.
Critical Technologies and Great Power Competition
By Ankit Panda
Competing effectively with China will require tapping into innovation in critical technologies wherever it may appear.
Pakistan’s Crackdown on Pashtun Dissent Reflects Weakness, Not Strength
By Farahnaz Ispahani
The inability of the Pakistani state to stomach Pashtun dissent reflects internal fragility.
Herd Behavior and Approval Bubbles: A Closer Look at Duterte’s Popularity
By Ronald U. Mendoza and Tristan Canare
Net satisfaction ratings for Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte keep increasing. There is growing evidence that fake news and herd behavior might be at play.
Indian Foreign Policy: Assessing the Agenda in 2020
By Hemant Krishan Singh and Arun Sahgal
India may face a difficult year ahead, but Indian diplomacy is poised to succeed.
Indonesia’s Latest Natuna Islands Spat With China Should Be a Wake-Up Call for Southeast Asia
By Ankit Panda
It’s time for Southeast Asia to stand together against China – with Indonesia leading the way,