Topic
Society
Thailand to Ban Recreational Marijuana Use By Year’s End, Minister Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The move comes less than two years after the Thai government became the first Southeast Asian country to legalize the cultivation and consumption of marijuana.
China Targets Overseas Social Media Influencers in Its Latest Transnational Repression Scheme
By Chauncey Jung
In a break from its past censorship strategies, China is now attempting to expand its circle of influence beyond its own borders.
Helping South Korean Adoptees Return to Their Birth Country
By Lance Brownfield
The Global Overseas Adoptees’ Link has been vital in pushing for a special visa status and other services to help Koreans adopted abroad reconnect with South Korea.
Fear and Loathing Rule Australia’s ‘Angry’ Media Landscape
By Victoria Fielding
As we muddle through the complexities of the 21st century, progress appears to be stifled by a media keen on angering its audience, rather than informing them.
Student Suicides in Kota’s ‘Coaching Factories’ Point to India’s Broken Education System
By Kavita Chowdhury
Caught between unrealistic parental aspirations and inability to cope with academic pressure, students spiral into depression and sometimes die by suicide.
The Demographic Promises and Perils of Seoul’s Filipino Domestic Helper Initiative
By Eom Tae Yeon
Can South Korea entice women into the workforce by outsourcing domestic labor to foreigners? More importantly, should it?
2 Chinese Bloggers in Exile Warn That Police Are Interrogating Their Followers
By Dake Kang and Huizhong Wu
Wang Zhi’an and Li Ying said in separate posts that Chinese police were interrogating people who followed them on social media, and urged followers to take precautions.
The Silent Erosion of Afghanistan’s Urban Middle Class: A Neglected Crisis
By Lutfi Rahimi
While the focus on Afghanistan tends to revolve around geopolitical tensions and security concerns, the slow erosion of the urban middle class is sending the country decades backward.
Malaysia’s Court System Struggles With the Rise of State-Level Theocracy
By Aizat Shamsuddin
A recent Federal Court ruling has highlighted the tension between the Federal Constitution and Sharia laws passed by conservative state legislatures.
What a Tamil Language School in Sri Lanka Tells Us About the Reconciliation Process
By Niru Perera
Language is a critical part of the country's moves toward post-war reconciliation, especially when it comes to grassroots efforts.
How India’s COVID-19 Lockdowns Impacted Menstrual Health
By Karan Babbar
Limited access to period products during India’s COVID lockdowns highlighted how far public health initiatives have to go when it comes to menstruation.
South Korean Government Warns Striking Doctors to Return to Work or Face Legal Action
By Hyung-jin Kim
About 7,800 medical interns and residents in South Korea have walked off their jobs this week to protest the government’s push to recruit more medical students.