Archive
May 2022
Sri Lanka Opposition Declares No Confidence in Government
By Krishan Francis
A majority vote in the 225-member Parliament would be needed to remove Rajapaksa and the Cabinet from power.
Reassessing RCEP’s Implications for Digital Trade and E-Commerce
By Jean-Marc F. Blanchard and Wei Liang
RCEP’s chapter 12 should produce digital economy opportunities in all RCEP countries, but it seems highly likely that China, Japan, and South Korea will emerge the biggest winners.
Jacinda Ardern Is Bringing New Zealand Closer to the US
By Geoffrey Miller
The New Zealand prime minister’s speech to this week’s U.S. Business Summit in Auckland signals a closer alignment with the West – and skepticism toward China.
No, Press Freedoms Have Not Improved in Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
Methodology isn’t a headline buzzword, but an improving rank certainly is -- no matter the context.
When the CCP Thought Taiwan Should Be Independent
By Gerrit van der Wees
The Chinese Communist Party’s position on Taiwan is far from consistent. Just look at Chairman Mao’s initial stance.
Where Are the Afghan Air Force’s Aircraft Now?
By Catherine Putz
As 11 more Mi-17 helicopters originally intended for Afghanistan head to Ukraine, eyes turn to the Afghan Air Force planes left in Central Asia.
Turkmenistan Takes Policing Women’s Bodies to the Next Level
By Akja Kepderi
In April, Turkmen authorities began cracking down on salons, enforcing a ban on a range of beauty services.
Why Indonesia Banned Palm Oil Exports
By James Guild
Palm oil firms chasing export profits were driving up costs for consumers, creating a potential political headache for the government.
India Reels Under Brutal Heat Wave, Blackouts
By Krutika Pathi and Aniruddha Ghosal
Supplies of coal at thermal power plants are running perilously low, underscoring India’s need to diversify energy sources.
Cambodian PM Pushes Myanmar Junta to Grant Envoy Access to Aung San Suu Kyi
By Sebastian Strangio
Special Envoy Prak Sokhonn could undertake his next mission to the crisis-hit country as early as late May.
EU Hedges Its Bets by Turning to a Difficult India
By Mohamed Zeeshan
To be a viable economic alternative to China in the long run, India needs to achieve sustained growth, build an export base, and ensure social harmony and political stability.
Iran on the Horizon: Future Prospects for Central Asian Rapprochement
By Elizabeth Woods and Thomas Baker
Only recently has Central Asia become a policy priority for Tehran, which now sees the region as a potential “bridge” between Iran and the East.