Blog
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.
In the UK, Labor’s China Audit Is Fast Becoming a Post-Mortem
By Andrew Yeh
The trajectory of the new government’s China policy could be set well before the foreign secretary’s much vaunted audit sees the light of day.
Busan Was a Major Political Win on Plastic Pollution, Even If Not a Procedural One
By Arpita Bhagat
The political dynamics, narratives, and numbers are conditioned in favor of a strong agreement now.
Rubio’s Nomination Could Be the Change Cambodia’s Democracy Needs
By Samady Ou
From sanctions to grassroots engagement, the Florida senator has the opportunity to redefine U.S. leadership in Southeast Asia.
Why Indonesia Needs To Reform Its Oil and Gas Exploration Landscape
By Larry Luckey
If the country is to achieve its ambitious 2030 energy goals, it needs to remove the obstacles in the way of foreign exploration activities.
ASEAN Needs to Rethink Its Myanmar Strategy
By Shayna Bauchner
An overhaul in ASEAN’s approach to Myanmar is clearly needed, but tilting toward the junta is the exact wrong direction.
From Damascus to Naypyidaw: The Perils of Backing Failing Regimes
By Miemie Winn Byrd
The sudden and unexpected fall of Bashar al-Assad could foreshadow the fate of Myanmar's besieged military junta.
Climate and Energy Security: Opportunities for Taiwan Under Trump
By Elizabeth Frost and Meng-Hui Lin
While the outlook for U.S. climate policy seems bleak, Trump’s pivot will open up new opportunities Taiwan – both in climate leadership and clean tech.
In South Korea, Democracy and Human Rights Prevail
By Hye Jung Han and John Sifton
Democracies around the world are increasingly under attack from autocratic forces seeking to rule by fiat. In South Korea, ordinary people rose up to defend the systems that protect their human rights.
Bold Diplomacy: Reflections on Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s Whirlwind Global Tour
By Sugiono
The country's new president is committed to fostering relationships with both superpowers while advocating for regional stability and global peace.
Trump’s Inauguration Invitation to China’s Xi Jinping Is a Slap in the Face to Uyghurs
By Julie Millsap
For Uyghur Americans, its feels like a betrayal – a signal that the U.S. may deprioritize human rights advocacy in favor of smoothing over relations with Beijing.
Why the Acting President of Myanmar’s NUG Is Right to Prioritize Internal Politics
By Harry Myo Lin
As the tide turns against the country's military junta, it is vital for the National Unity Government to improve its governance and administrative capacity.
Beijing Is Squeezing Taiwan in the Pacific. The US Must Act.
By Raja Krishnamoorthi
Instead of abandoning Taiwan, the United States should be looking for ways to deepen our support for the island.
Page 1 of 313