The Diplomat | Author
Mark S. Cogan
Mark S. Cogan is an Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Japan.
Mark S. Cogan is an Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Japan. His research interests include Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region, as well as security studies, peacebuilding, counter-terrorism, and human rights. He is a former communications specialist with the United Nations, serving in Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East.
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July 12, 2023
Prayut Has Retired, but His Undemocratic Legacy Will Live On
By Mark S. Cogan
During his nine years in power, the general turned Thailand’s judiciary, and its Constitutional Court in particular, into a weapon for advancing and safeguarding conservative interests.
June 26, 2023
Heyzer’s Exit Marks a Low Point for the UN’s Envoys to Myanmar
By Mark S. Cogan
Why the recently departed special envoy should be the last.
June 06, 2023
Defense Posturing Has Crippled Legitimate Dialogue in Singapore
By Mark S. Cogan
In recent years, the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue has featured more public grandstanding than constructive intercourse.
May 24, 2023
India’s Modi Makes the Most of the Moment in Papua New Guinea
By Mark S. Cogan
In the absence of U.S. President Joe Biden, the Indian leader used his trip to Port Moresby to position his country as a leader of the Global South.
May 12, 2023
Thailand, Particularly the Deep South, Needs a Final Reckoning With Thaksin
By Mark S. Cogan
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is the darling of millions of Thai voters, but his human rights record legacy in the Deep South is as bleak and dismal as his military rivals'.
November 02, 2022
Thailand’s Troubling History With the Uyghurs
By Mark S. Cogan
Out of fear of destabilizing its relations with Beijing, the Thai government has failed to protect Uyghur civilians who have sought political asylum in the country.
October 10, 2022
Okinawa and the Osprey: A Human Rights Perspective
By Mark S. Cogan
Civil society groups claim that the tiltrotor aircraft has had a significant impact on the local population's quality of life.
September 28, 2022
Containing China’s Maritime Power: A Question of Capability and Intent
By Paul D. Scott and Mark S. Cogan
China’s foreign policy assertiveness and the posturing of “wolf warrior diplomacy” have generated serious concerns about Beijing's intentions – especially at sea.
August 31, 2022
Michelle Bachelet’s Spectacular Fall From Grace
By Mark S. Cogan
The legacy of the outgoing U.N. human rights chief has been defined by her dithering and inaction over the Chinese government's abuses in Xinjiang.
August 25, 2022
The Thai PM’s Future Is in the Hands of a Favorable and Predictable Court
By Mark S. Cogan
The country's Constitutional Court may choose to dismiss Prayut Chan-o-cha from office, but it won't dismantle the structure of power that he represents.
August 04, 2022
Abe Shinzo Excelled at Foreign Policy, But He Failed Women Badly
By Sachiko Oshimo and Mark S. Cogan
The late Japanese leader stoked a reactionary social conservatism that reinforced the country's traditional gender roles.
June 16, 2022
How Engaged Was China at the Shangri-La Dialogue?
By Mark S. Cogan
At this year's Dialogue, Chinese officials were strident and defensive – but it's better to have Beijing in than out.