Archive
November 2020
Are Robot Dogs Coming to Your Street Anytime Soon? Probably Not.
By Abhijnan Rej
Robotics firm Boston Dynamics is changing hands again, highlighting the difficulties of commercializing all-terrain mobile robots.
Assessing the Japan-UK Economic Partnership Agreement
By Michito Tsuruoka
Trade and beyond
China to Build New Railway Link to Tibet as India Watches Apprehensively
By Sudha Ramachandran
The Ya’an-Nyingchi rail line will simultaneously bolster China’s control over Tibet as well as serve a military purpose.
Chinese Ballistic Missiles Fired Into South China Sea Claimed to Hit Target Ship
By Steven Stashwick
A news report claims that the August ASBM tests successfully hit a moving vessel and did not just fall into the sea.
Donald Trump’s Prabowo Delusion
By James Guild
Donald Trump's refusal to concede echoes the aftermath of Indonesia's last election. But there are some crucial differences, too.
Thai Lawmakers Debate Demands for Constitutional Changes
By Associated Press
The government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is hoping to defuse protesters' calls for far-reaching reform.
Indonesia’s Quixotic Bid to Host the 2032 Olympics
By Sebastian Strangio
There is the question of Indonesia's bid can succeed. Then there's the question of whether it would be a good thing.
How Will Myanmar’s Election Affect Its Foreign Policy?
By Sebastian Strangio
The coming five-year term is likely to see a continuity of aims within more constrained parameters.
One Thousand and One Responses to Borat
By Paolo Sorbello
Offensive, racist, only-for-Americans, funny, and even a diplomatic case. The second Borat movie stirred a wide range of controversies in Kazakhstan and worldwide.
Support for Trump in Hong Kong and Taiwan Is Unsurprising (But Misguided)
By Ja Ian Chong
Worry about the reliability of Democratic presidents is based on a selective reading of past and current events.
Inside Afghanistan’s Education Crisis
By Ezzatullah Mehrdad
Even before the lengthy COVID-19 shutdown, the country's schools were weighed down by crumbling infrastructure and a misguided curriculum.
Thailand Protests at a Tipping Point
By Mercy A. Kuo
Insights from Tamara Loos.