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.
Taiwan Takes a Step Back With New Coal Plant
By Lisa Tsai
Taiwan approves a new coal power plant while paying lip service to the promise of energy transformation.
How 'Toxic Masculinity' Is Killing Mongolian Men
By Naomi Kitahara and Ariunzaya Ayush
Mongolia’s unusually large life-expectancy gap has a lot to do with harmful gender norms.
Why Is China Attacking US Aircraft?
By Ben Lowsen
China’s habit is to flout the rules, but a reckoning is coming.
Is the South China Sea Dispute a Foregone Conclusion?
By Jansen Tham
China has gained an irreversible advantage in the South China Sea.
What Role Does Soft Power Play in China-US Relations?
By Farwa Aamer
Can soft power be reimagined beyond the parameters of competition in Sino-U.S. relations?
Seeing Through the Familiarity of the Inter-Korean Panmunjom Declaration
By Ankit Panda
How a ‘familiar’ summit put new life into the Korean peninsula’s hopes for peace.
China Could Get a Lot More Than We Think from a Deal with the Vatican
By Gabriel Alvarado and Greg Levesque
A possible deal between the Holy See and Beijing could have wide-ranging consequences.
Can Jordan Harmonize Chinese and American Interests in the Levant?
By Jesse Marks and Salvatore Borgognone
The United States and China stand to lose if they pursue independent policies with Jordan and the broader Middle East.
Taiwan’s National Health Insurance: A Model for Universal Health Coverage
By Chen Shih-Chung
Taiwan has a constructive role to play in creating a robust global health network, but remains excluded from the World Health Organization.
Now is Not the Time to Back Down in the South China Sea
By Tuan N. Pham
Realpolitik cannot triumph over Moralpolitik.
How Can Canada Respond to Cambodia’s Political Dilemma?
By Darren Touch
If Canada wants to be critical of the Cambodian government, it will have to be proactive.
What Does the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement Want?
By Ali Wazir
A leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement tells his story and explains why Pashtuns must prevail with peaceful protest.