Archive
2020
Biden Must Not Give in to North Korea’s Demand for Early Sanctions Relief
By Mathew Ha
Diplomatic success will require better sanctions enforcement, not looser sanctions.
Banking Consolidation Continues in Kazakhstan
By Paolo Sorbello
A bank close to Nazarbayev buys a competitor, while smaller lenders continue to fall.
As Protests Grow, Thailand’s Authorities Dust Off Royal Defamation Law
By Sebastian Strangio
This revival of lese-majeste law marks an escalation in the authorities’ campaign against rising pro-democracy protests.
Understanding Vietnam’s Military Modernization Efforts
By Bich Tran
The country's armed forces have come a long way since the years following the Vietnam War.
Japan’s ‘Misunderstanding’ About a Biden Administration
By Shin Kawashima
Japan retains some lingering perceptions of Democratic Party policies on China.
Explaining Southeast Asia’s Addiction to the Death Penalty
By Sebastian Strangio
The region remains a global outlier in terms of the use of capital punishment.
Can COVID-19’s Impact on Democracy in Southeast Asia be Reversed?
By Joshua Kurlantzick
As authoritarian leaders in many Southeast Asian countries use the pandemic to consolidate their hold, what needs to be done to buck the trend?
Trump, Biden, and the Obstacles to ASEAN Neutrality
By Laura Southgate
In an era of growing superpower competition, ASEAN will face stiff challenges to its autonomy and neutrality.
EU, Other Donors Step up With Funds to Help Afghanistan
By Associated Press
The final tally could amount to over $12 billion over four years, a drop from the $15 billion pledged back in 2016.
Afghanistan: A Test for the Global Commitment to Women, Peace, and Security
By Natalie Gonnella-Platts and Farhat Popal
Any political settlement that doesn’t guarantee women’s rights and opportunities has failed before it has begun.
Ex-PM Abe’s Office Investigated Over Cherry Blossom Party Scandal
By Associated Press
A scandal from 2018 continues to dog the former Japanese prime minister.
US-Uzbekistan Relations Right on Track
By Catherine Putz
The U.S. and Uzbekistan aim to transition toward a “Strategic Partnership Dialogue” in 2021.