Latest Stories
Uzbekistan’s Evolving Northern Afghanistan Strategy
Tashkent’s transition from a security-oriented approach to a pragmatic, economy-first foreign policy in relation to Kabul is most evident in its engagement in northern Afghanistan.
Thailand’s PM Survives Parliamentary Vote of No-confidence
The opposition People's Party has accused Paetongtarn Shinawatra of being under the undue influence of her father, ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra.
The Globalization of Philippine Political Trolling
Methods of online manipulation pioneered during Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency are now being deployed to shape global perceptions of his upcoming trial at the ICC.
International Religious Freedom in the Spotlight Amid US Political Recalibration
A discussion on religious freedom abroad invariably circled back to the present political turmoil in the United States under the second Trump administration.
Indonesia’s Rupiah Falls to Lowest Level Since Asian Financial Crisis
A perfect storm of domestic and international uncertainties has pushed the currency toward the all-time low set in mid-1998.
China-Japan-South Korea Foreign Minister Meeting Spotlights a Complex Partnership
The meeting in Tokyo pledged increased economic cooperation, but security issues continued to loom large.
Most Read
What’s Behind the Constitutional Court’s Delayed Verdict on Yoon Suk-yeol’s Impeachment?
The Constitutional Court is taking longer than expected to issue its ruling. South Koreans are divided over how to interpret the delay.
China Watches, Taiwan Learns: Ukraine’s War and the Indo-Pacific
Over the course of a year-long study, we analyzed the campaign in Ukraine, comparing it with Taiwan’s military strategies and defense posture. Here’s what we found.
Tensions Rising in the Philippines After Former President Duterte’s ICC Arrest
The ex-leader may finally face justice for his bloody “war on drugs”, but the country he leaves behind is increasingly divided.
Magazine
Pakistan Under Shehbaz Sharif: The State of the Nation
With domestic politics gravely polarized, security increasingly fragile, and the economy barely stable, there is little sign of an end to Pakistan’s chronic dysfunction.
To Russia With Waning Love: Changing Migration Dynamics in Central Asia
Russia and Central Asia have been mutually shaped by decades of labor migration, but these long-running ties have begun to fray.
The New Age of Global Trade: Aggressive Neo-Mercantilism
International trade, with the U.S. and China at the forefront, is undergoing a paradigmatic shift away from free trade and toward an aggressive form of neo-mercantilism.
Misun Woo on Women’s Rights in the Asia-Pacific
“We need to ask why there hasn’t been much change to advance women’s human rights and end injustice?”
Blogs
China Power
A New World Order
How Taiwan Can Keep Its Diplomatic Partners
Beijing’s success in peeling off Taiwan’s diplomatic partners requires a reevaluation of Taipei’s strategy toward its remaining partners.
China-Japan-South Korea Foreign Minister Meeting Spotlights a Complex Partnership
Challenges to China’s Growing Interests in Afghanistan
China’s Impatient State Capital Impedes the Innovations It Aims to Promote
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
China Coast Guard Makes Its Longest Intrusion Into Disputed East China Sea Waters
The record-setting intrusion occurred on the same day that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi came to Tokyo.
Malaysia to Tighten Chip Controls After Pressure From US, Report Says
Collateral Damage: UN Sanctions on North Korea at Risk in Putin-Trump Dealings
The ‘Reverse Kissinger’ Strategy Is Based on Bad History
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
Evolving Missile Technologies in India and Pakistan
New advances in missile technology risk undermining strategic stability in the region – and increasing the odds of conflict.
Navigating Uncertainty: Why Indonesia Needs a National Maritime Strategy
China’s Arms Imports Are Declining – But So Are Its Arms Exports
Japan to Pay First Visit to Cambodian Naval Base Funded by China
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
Thailand’s PM Survives Parliamentary Vote of No-confidence
The opposition People's Party has accused Paetongtarn Shinawatra of being under the undue influence of her father, ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra.
The Globalization of Philippine Political Trolling
Vietnam Island Building in South China Sea Continuing At ‘Breakneck Pace’
French Diplomacy Lies Behind Delay in Cambodia Grenade Attack Trial
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
Bangladesh Women Rise up Against Increasing Incidents of Rape
The Muhammad Yunus government has failed miserably in checking incidents of rape and sexual violence against women.
Poster of India’s Yogi Adityanath in Pro-Monarchy Rally Triggers War of Words in Nepal
Concept of ‘Greater Mizoram’ Gets a Shot in the Arm From Myanmar’s Spring Revolution
Breaking Decades of Silence, Sri Lanka Revisits the Batalanda Legacy
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
Constitutional Court Overturns Impeachment of South Korean Prime Minister
Ahead of the ruling on the South Korean president’s impeachment, the Constitutional Court overturned the impeachment of Han Duck-soo.
What’s Behind the Constitutional Court’s Delayed Verdict on Yoon Suk-yeol’s Impeachment?
As Impeachment Verdict Nears, Yoon’s Public Support Remains Dismal
Ahead of South Korea’s Impeachment Verdict, Partisan Division Is Worsening
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
China’s ‘Malinformation’ Comes for Okinawa
China has been intensifying its information war against Japan's Achilles' heel – Okinawa.
Why Did Japan Cut Funding to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women?
Japan Appoints First Chief of New Joint Operations Command
At Fukushima Daiichi, Japan’s Unprecedented Nuclear Cleanup Continues
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
Pakistan’s War on Balochistan Has Reached a Point of No Return
The arrest of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, the leader of the peaceful Baloch protest movement, has set the entire province aflame.
Afghan Schools Reopen for Another Year Without Girls
What India Needs to do to Fix the Foundations of its WASH Sector
The Disappearance of Voice of America Is a Failure of American Values
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
Uzbekistan’s Evolving Northern Afghanistan Strategy
Tashkent’s transition from a security-oriented approach to a pragmatic, economy-first foreign policy in relation to Kabul is most evident in its engagement in northern Afghanistan.
No Aid, All Investments: The Future of Chinese Engagement in Kazakhstan
In the Face of Oppression, Feminist Resistance in Kazakhstan Persists
Mongolia’s Central Asia Connection: Kazakhstan
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
International Religious Freedom in the Spotlight Amid US Political Recalibration
A discussion on religious freedom abroad invariably circled back to the present political turmoil in the United States under the second Trump administration.
US-China Competition in Southeast Asia Under the Second Trump Administration
Vietnam’s Nuclear Energy Push Is a Strategic Opportunity For the US
How Trump Is Bolstering China’s World View
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
Indonesia’s Rupiah Falls to Lowest Level Since Asian Financial Crisis
A perfect storm of domestic and international uncertainties has pushed the currency toward the all-time low set in mid-1998.
India’s Trade Recalibrations in the Age of Uncertainty
US Private Equity Is Making Interesting Moves in the Indo-Pacific
Betting on the Demise of Free Trade? Make Way for the New Players at the Table
Oceania
The South Pacific
Risky Business: Bridging the Insurance Gap in Australia
Australians facing steep insurance premium hikes in a world of disasters are sharing a global problem. The solutions are out there, but they are complex.
In the Face of Disengagement and Distrust: Civics Education in Australia Is Critical
Half-truths and Lies: An Online Day in Australia
America or Europe? Why Trump’s Ukraine U-turn Is a Fork in the Road for New Zealand
Videos
Asia on Video
What’s Driving Taiwan’s Mass Protests?
Chiang Min-yen, a non-resident fellow at the Taiwan Economic Democracy Union, joins The Diplomat to discuss the concerns over the bill, the China factor, and what comes next.
What’s Behind Vietnam’s Political Upheaval?
The Danger of China’s Digital Silk Road
What Will China’s Shift From Oil Mean for Saudi Arabia and Russia?
Podcasts
Asia Geopolitics
Trump, Tariffs, and America’s Global Messaging
The Asia Geopolitics podcast discusses the latest developments in Washington and their implications for Asia policy.
Duterte in The Hague: The Philippines and the Geopolitics of International Law
Is the United States Relitigating Its Grand Strategy?
DeepSeek and the AI Competition
Photo Essays
Asia in Pictures
The Untold Stories of Peshawar’s Gemstone Market at Namak Mandi
Pakistan’s largest and most important gemstone and mineral market is deeply intertwined with the region’s borders, conflict, and undocumented economies.