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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.
Echoes of 1919
By Kan Kimura
A centenary year has significant implications for the region.
Are We Seeing the Mekong River's 'Last Days'?
By Benjamin Zawacki
A book review of Last Days of the Mighty Mekong, Brian Eyler, Zed 2019.
Jaish-e-Mohammed Leader’s ‘Global Terrorist’ Designation Is Overdue
By Ankit Panda
Jaish-e-Mohammed’s leader must be designated as a “global terrorist” and China must adapt to new realities.
Rethinking Japan-South Korea Defense Relations
By Sukjoon Yoon
Both should recognize their common security agenda by initiating much closer bilateral defense and military technical cooperation.
The SCO Can De-escalate India-Pakistan Tensions
By M. Ashraf Haidari
The SCO’s founding members have long pledged to ensure peace, security, and stability. Now it's time to act on that rhetoric.
A Silver Lining in Japan’s Supreme Court Transgender Ruling
By Kanae Doi and Kyle Knight
An outdated, abusive law is upheld, yet undeniable doubts were raised.
How Far Does the China Belt and Road ‘Pushback’ Really Go?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
While the BRI has no doubt suffered serious setbacks, one should be wary about overestimating or misreading them.
Peace Should Be Trump’s Priority at the 2nd Summit with Kim
By John Dale Grover
With deterrence already assured, the goal should be peace, not immediate denuclearization.
Myanmar Open for Business, But Not Rohingya
By Jieun Pyun
As Myanmar seeks foreign investment, the international business community has an opportunity to affect change.
China Won’t Join the INF Treaty—But Can It Forever Dodge Arms Control?
By Ankit Panda
China won’t join a multilateralized INF-style treaty, but can it resist arms control?
As Global Democracy Retreats, Ethnic Cleansing Is on the Rise
By Michael J. Abramowitz and Arch Puddington
The international norm against ethnic cleansing is not just being swept aside. It is at risk of being replaced.
Don’t Expect a US-China Trade Breakthrough By March 1
By Ankit Panda
Xi knows he can wait until he gets a chance to meet with Trump face-to-face again.