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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.
Carrots and Sticks: Washington’s Strategy to Counter Chinese Influence in Cambodia Rests on Faulty Premises
By Arthur Eremita
Old debates about U.S. engagement have become obsolete in light of evidence that the country's elite is abetting cyberscam operations on a massive scale.
The Young Generation as Blessing, Bridge, and Burden-bearer: Understanding Asia’s Youth
By Xiaorong Gu
There is remarkable diversity in the experiences of Asia’s children, and incredible resilience. Young individuals play crucial roles in sustaining the daily functioning of their families and societies.
Taiwan’s Protesters Are Against ‘Check-but-Imbalance’ and Legislative Overreach
By Austin Horng-En Wang, Charles K. S. Wu, Yao-Yuan Yeh, and Fang-Yu Chen
The Bluebird Movement can't be dismissed as mere partisan mobilization.
Why Dollarization Is the Solution to Laos’ Economic Woes
By Srinivasa Madhur
Relieved of the need to keep its currency afloat, the central bank could focus on addressing the country’s worsening foreign debt crisis.
Smoke, Mirrors, and Spin: Deception in the Struggle for Taiwan’s Legislative Reform
By Wu Tsung-hsien and Howard Shen
The KMT-TPP backed legislation to expand Legislative Yuan powers is not as nefarious as it has been made out to be.
Events in Myawaddy Prove That a Change in Thai Foreign Policy is Needed
By Alexis Turek
Thailand can – and should – be playing a more active role in mediating the Myanmar's expanding conflict.
Navigating the Afghanistan Conundrum by Engaging With Afghanistan’s Next Generation
By Nazifa Haqpal
It is our collective responsibility to support the Afghan people's bid for a brighter future and to learn from the lessons of the past.
Taiwan’s Democracy in Crisis: Next Steps and Their Importance for the World
By Chiang Min-yen and Angela Ou
Now that the controversial legislative reform bill has passed, what steps should Taiwan’s civil society take?
In Lawmaking, the Details Matter. Taiwan Would be Wise to Remember That
By Adam King and Daniel Twining
Beijing could be a winner as Taipei rushes to pass new law.
Days of Reckoning on the Future of ‘Natural’ Gas in Asia
By Axel Dalman
The gas industry in Australia and across Asia needs to face the music being played by major economies and governments worldwide.
China-Israel Relations: Caught in a Downward Spiral
By Hongda Fan
Official relations and public perceptions have both taken huge damage since the October 7 attack by Hamas and Israel’s massive military deployment in Gaza.
Shifting the Narrative on Climate Transition For Southeast Asian Businesses
By Petra Christi and Dinda Maharani
Transition plans should reflect the fact that the region’s economies have distinct structures and vulnerabilities compared to their Western counterparts.