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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.
Thinking the Unthinkable: Central Europe at War With North Korea
By Tomáš A. Nagy
The “soft” and “light” military capabilities of Central European armies could come in handy if war erupts on the Peninsula.
Why Did Duterte Chicken out of the ASEAN-Australia Summit?
By Luke Hunt
The strongman is clearly afraid of the scrutiny that might come from making the trip.
Bangladesh’s ‘Digital Island’ Brings Future to Nation’s Poorest
By Sajeeb Wazed
A remote, impoverished island is now a showcase for the government's Digital Bangladesh initiative.
The Case for a New US-Japan Strategy: Why We Need a Free and Open Indo-Pacific
By Nobukatsu Kanehara
Japan and the U.S. are two global leaders who must work side-by-side to spread peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Trouble With Talk of Kim Yo-Jong's 'Charm Offensive'
By Antoine Got and Danny Anderson
Media depictions of Kim Yo-Jong as a charming 'princess' reveal a larger bias against women in diplomacy.
Washington Must Own up to Superpower Competition With China
By Will Saetren and Hunter Marston
The first step is for the U.S. to admit that China is a full-blown superpower.
The Truth About Trump’s Trade Tariffs
By Anthony Kleven
Both supporters and critics of the administration’s move could use a healthy dose of realism.
Should We Believe North Korea Is Willing to Denuclearize?
By Edward Howell
Take the claim with a grain of salt -- until we know what Pyongyang wants in return.
Kim Jong-un's Winter Olympics Ruse
By Davis Florick
Why Seoul and the international community should not fall for Kim Jong-un’s propaganda ploy.
China: A ‘Strategic’ Threat?
By Amitai Etzioni
The Pentagon’s latest National Defense Strategy rests on some shaky assumptions.
Can China Keep Controlling Its SOEs?
By Kjeld Erik Brødsgaard
The Chinese Communist Party shows few signs of easing its control of state-owned enterprises in the country.
China and the United States Worry About Each Other Missile Defense Intentions. So Why Not Talk?
By Ankit Panda
China worries U.S. missile defenses will take out its strategic deterrent. The U.S. worries about antisatellite capabilities.