Blog
Asia Life
Sports, culture and the arts are a passion for billions in the Asia-Pacific, and offer unique insights into what makes countries here tick. From the latest cricket match to prize-winning novels and the latest art exhibitions, The Diplomat's bloggers cover it all, giving you a fresh perspective on the region.
Singapore: Crazy Rich But Still Behind on Gay Rights
By Chirag Agarwal
Singapore’s protection of its LGBT community leaves much to be desired.
Commercializing Tradition in Yunnan, China
By Layne Vandenberg
An interview with Thiago Braga on pu’er tea culture and industry
Life in New York's Little Pakistan
By Nushmiya Sukhera
This once-thriving community is still trying to put itself back together after the 9/11 attacks.
India’s Sabarimala Temple and the Issue of Women’s Entry
By Krzysztof Iwanek
Another Hindu temple will open its gates to women, reigniting the debate on Indian secularism.
Goodbye, Dr. Ho: The Passing of a Chinese Doctor (and Tourist Attraction)
By Keith Lyons
Dr. Ho, a longtime draw for tourists in southwest China, passed away at aged 95.
Meet Lin Xi: A Progressive Female Character in a Chinese Drama
By Layne Vandenberg
The second season of China’s famous TV show, Nirvana in Fire (琅琊榜), sets a progressive character into a period drama.
India’s Problem With Women
By Tej Parikh
As tradition and modernity collide, India is the world's most dangerous place for women.
Crazy Rich Asians: A Clash of East and West?
By Antonina Luszczykiewicz and Krzysztof Iwanek
The East may not become the West, but it can surely buy it out.
From Film to Reality: How Fans Find Their Fantasy Worlds
By Layne Vandenberg
Jiufen’s A-Mei Teahouse may not have inspired Miyazaki’s Spirited Away, but fans visit in droves anyway.
Paint It Saffron: The Colors of Indian Political Parties
By Krzysztof Iwanek
Just like symbols, colors are a part of a party’s image.
‘Amma Meri’ and the Dark Side of Rural Poverty in India
By Avinash Giri
A new short film attempts to bridge the gap between imagined and real poverty in India.
Virtually With Us: Looking for Gandhi on the Internet
By Krzysztof Iwanek
Want to write a PhD about Gandhi? You can nearly do so without leaving your house.