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The Debate

The Debate is our home for the best opinions from around Asia. Whether it is negotiating with Iran, responding to North Korean provocations, discussing Japan's looming demographic issues, or considering the new balance of power in the Asia-Pacific, some of the region's leading thinkers offer their take.

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To Solve the Plastic Crisis, We Must Phase out Production

To Solve the Plastic Crisis, We Must Phase out Production

By Xuan Quach
Promoting recycling without a systems change that unlocks drastic reduction of plastics is merely greenwashing.
Getting to Know Prabowo

Getting to Know Prabowo

By James Van Zorge
Indonesia's incoming president, who will take office on October 20, remains poorly understood in the West.

The Global Community Must Stop Enabling the Taliban’s Abuse

The Global Community Must Stop Enabling the Taliban’s Abuse

By Natalie Gonnella-Platts
The United Nations and other international players regularly undermine their own posture against the Taliban through leniency, loopholes, and lack of sanctions enforcement.

Singapore or Bangladesh?: The Two Futures of Indonesia’s Economy Under Prabowo Subianto

Singapore or Bangladesh?: The Two Futures of Indonesia’s Economy Under Prabowo Subianto

By Achmad Hanif Imaduddin
Will Prabowo's efforts to create a government without opposition lead the country toward prosperity, or increased political conflict?

Australia Needs to Step up Its Climate Advocacy at the UN Summit of the Future

Australia Needs to Step up Its Climate Advocacy at the UN Summit of the Future

By Will Devine
The Pacific needs Australia to do more on climate change, and the upcoming summit in New York might be Canberra’s next best opportunity.
The IOC Should Help Protect North Korean Athletes Returning From the Paris Olympics

The IOC Should Help Protect North Korean Athletes Returning From the Paris Olympics

By Robbie Newton
Returning athletes have reportedly faced “ideological evaluations” and potential punishment for actions that their government views with suspicion.

In Asia, Zero Waste Is Proving to Be a Climate Solution

In Asia, Zero Waste Is Proving to Be a Climate Solution

By Sonia G. Astudillo
Decentralized and community-led zero waste practices are a low-hanging fruit in addressing the climate crisis.
Engagements With the Myanmar Military Undermine Localized Approaches to Humanitarian Assistance

Engagements With the Myanmar Military Undermine Localized Approaches to Humanitarian Assistance

By Maggi Quadrini
International organizations should focus on strengthening local networks and providing cross-border aid rather than waiting for authorization from the junta to operate in conflict zones. 

How 9/11 Changed – and Didn’t Change – Afghanistan

How 9/11 Changed – and Didn’t Change – Afghanistan

By Freshta Jalalzai
The terror attacks on September 11, 2001, seemingly changed the trajectory of Afghanistan’s history. But today, the country in many ways is back to the status quo ante – except for the thousands of lives lost to war. 

Is It Time to Declare a Moratorium on the Death Penalty in Bangladesh?

Is It Time to Declare a Moratorium on the Death Penalty in Bangladesh?

By Saira Rahman Khan, Sara Kowal, and Karen S. Gomez-Dumpit
With the interim government’s commitment to investigate enforced disappearances, another form of state-sanctioned killing, the practice of the death penalty, ought to face the same scrutiny.

To Secure Peace in the Indo-Pacific, Include Taiwan in the UN System

To Secure Peace in the Indo-Pacific, Include Taiwan in the UN System

By Lin Chia-lung
“The idea that there must be a choice between China and Taiwan in the U.N. system is a false dichotomy,” asserts Taiwan’s foreign minister.
The Network of Professors Behind Bangladesh’s Revolution

The Network of Professors Behind Bangladesh’s Revolution

By Fahmidul Haq
The University Teachers Network, a network of Bangladeshi academics at home and abroad, charted the movement's agenda and demands.

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