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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.
The South China Sea and the Decline of US Influence
By Mark J. Valencia
The United States' ability to sway Southeast Asian states to its side is waning.
The Missing Piece in the World’s North Korea Strategy
By Neil Bhatiya
Pyongyang abuses the international financial system to fund its proliferation activities -- stopping this ought to be a priority.
The Trouble With Kissinger's North Korea Advice
By Joseph Bosco
Kissinger is moving the goal posts on where the final red line is on North Korean behavior.
The News China Didn’t Want Reported in 2017
By Sarah Cook
Leaked censorship directives hint at the regime’s priorities, but tighter controls have made them harder to obtain.
The US Should Not Be Rehabilitating Indonesia’s Abusive Special Forces
By Andreas Harsono
The Indonesian military’s past abuses should not be forgotten.
Trump Must Act Now on US-India Defense Relations
By Keith Webster
Realizing the full potential of the new Major Defense Partner status means acting now.
A Peaceful Afghanistan Key to Regional Connectivity in South and Central Asia
By M. Ashraf Haidari
Afghanistan's security and prosperity depends on its neighbors, and vice versa.
How Myanmar's Peace Process Could Jeopardize Wildlife
By Kurt Hanson
A wildlife sanctuary is urgently needed in the Karen area of Myanmar.
China’s Grim Christmas Ritual: Imprisoning Dissidents
By Thomas E. Kellogg
Xie Yang was the latest activist to be sentenced during the Christmas holiday season.
Chinese Hacking Against Taiwan: A Blessing for the United States?
By Philip Hsu
Is the the long-time threat of APTs to Taiwan a blessing in disguise?
The World Seen From India’s Raisina Dialogue 2018
By Dawisson Belém Lopes
In its third iteration, India's Raisina Dialogue shines as a forum at the forefront of regional and global discussions.
Why China Won't Be Glad to See US-Pakistan Relations Take a Nosedive in 2018
By Ankit Panda
China sees more of a challenge than an opportunity in the ongoing U.S.-Pakistan tiff.