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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.
Families Belong Together: The Case to End the US North Korea Travel Ban
By Kee Park
The United States should do away with a ban on travel by its citizens to North Korea.
China’s P2P Protests, the United States, and the International Liberal-Democratic Order
By E. John Gregory
Given the CCP’s efforts to reshape the world, it is important to understand what liberal democracy can offer ordinary Chinese.
North Korea Has the Trump Administration All Figured Out
By Ankit Panda
Pyongyang is working to decouple Trump from his deputies.
Finding a Way Forward for Cambodia After Sham Elections
By Sam Rainsy
What the international community can do to influence change in Cambodia.
The Upcoming Inter-Korean Summit Raises the Stakes for Moon Jae-in
By Ankit Panda
The talks will have deep implications for the trajectory of this year’s remarkable turn towards diplomatic engagement with North Korea.
Uyghurs’ Present Is the Future for Most Chinese
By Chauncey Jung
Even Chinese overseas are not exempt from Beijing’s constant control.
The Dark Side of the China Dream: Erasing Ethnic Identity
By Nicholas Bequelin
The CCP wants to forge a strong nation by ruthlessly eliminating differences of culture, religion and ethnicity.
The South China Sea: Freedom of Overflight or ‘Unlawful Activities’?
By Yinan Bao
A critique of recent U.S. military reconnaissance activities in South China Sea from the Chinese perspective.
13 Years of Peace Without Justice or Truth in Aceh
By Usman Hamid
There may be peace in Aceh, but truth and justice remain elusive.
The Government of Bangladesh Needs to Stop Silencing Its Citizens
By Tasnim Nazeer
Bangladeshi citizens deserve to be heard and the government needs to accept responsibility for its failures.
Why Xi Jinping Thought Is a Threat to China's Future
By James A. Dorn
China's institutional infrastructure is weaker than it might appear at first glance.
The Battle for Ghazni: A Wake-Up Call?
By Ankit Panda
Kunduz, Lashkar Gah, and now Ghazni. Which Afghan city will be next?