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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.
November 21, 2022
An Australia-Vietnam Partnership Could Erode China’s Monopoly on Rare Earths
By Nicholas Basan
Australian money and technical know-how could unlock Vietnam's potential as a major producer of the critical minerals.
November 19, 2022
Making Siachen a Mountain of Climate Responsibility
By Aarish U. Khan
Climate protection on the disputed glacier is important for both India and Pakistan – and could even jumpstart an improvement in their relationship.
November 18, 2022
The Malang Tragedy: What It Reveals About Indonesian Politics
By Rizal Ramli
The recent tragedy at Kanjuruhan Stadium reflects a much larger question of power and accountability.
November 17, 2022
Malaysia’s Political Parties Neglect Youth At Their Own Peril
By Brian R. Braun
For all the talk of the influx of first-time voters aged 18-20, the country's political parties have done little to appeal to them.
November 16, 2022
The Rift Between ASEAN and Myanmar’s Democracy Movement is Growing Wider
By Minn Tent Bo
Recent statements from senior Southeast Asian officials have demonstrated a lack of understanding of the country's conflict dynamics.
November 15, 2022
No, Russia’s Invasion Ukraine is Not the Same as Vietnam’s War in Cambodia
By Nguyen Quoc Tan Trung
Despite some superficial similarities, the moral and humanitarian calculus of the two invasions are vastly different.
November 14, 2022
It’s Time to Take the Gloves Off on Myanmar
By Justyna Gudzowska and Yadanar Maung
As the military junta’s atrocities increase, it is high time for the U.S. and like-minded partners to adopt much stronger targeted sanctions.
November 11, 2022
Indigenous Voices Are Missing From ASEAN
By Sochea Pheap
The region is home to between 90 and 125 million Indigenous people. Their concerns need to be reflected in the bloc's policies.
November 10, 2022
Does Ideology Matter in Vietnam’s Foreign Policy?
By Nguyen Cao Viet Hung
In matters of national security and national interests, Vietnamese leaders are pragmatists.
November 10, 2022
The US Must Help Bring Democracy Back to Cambodia
By Sam Rainsy
During his visit to Phnom Penh this week, U.S. President Joe Biden must hold Prime Minister Hun Sen accountable for the country's steep democratic decline.
November 09, 2022
Why Elon Musk’s Twitter Purchase Is a National Security Concern
By Charles Mok
Elon Musk’s Twitter deal reveals loopholes in U.S. national security oversight.
November 08, 2022
Universal Social Protection in Asia Is Within Reach – If We Have the Will
By Olivier De Schutter and Zina Nimeh
The global community could slash poverty in Asia at the click of a finger. We have the numbers to prove it.
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