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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.
Why Most Misread North Korea's Guam Threat
By Ankit Panda
North Korea is experimenting with new types of coercive bargaining.
Pugwash and Kazakhstan’s Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
By Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
No country in peacetime has suffered more from nuclear testing than Kazakhstan or done more to champion the cause of disarmament.
A Carrot-and-Stick Approach to Long-Term Sustainability
By Cecilia Tortajada and Tommy Kevin Lee
Singapore’s sustainable water policy offers a useful model for sustainable development.
Intelligence Gathering in the Maritime Domain: Is China Using Double Standards?
By Mark J. Valencia
Appraising the existence of a Chinese "double standard" on EEZ surveillance requires a close look at the evidence.
Has Gandhi’s Example Contributed to Donald Trump’s Victory?
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Gandhi inspired civil rights campaigns across the world. But did his success in movement politics offer wrong lessons for participatory democracy?
Simplifying an Otherwise Complicated Maritime Environment: Operate, Navigate, Communicate
By William J. Parker
Why maritime captains need to prioritize time and effort towards "operating, navigating and communicating."
Beware the War Against ASEAN’s Atheists
By David Hutt
A look at the ongoing persecution of a minority group that continues to be under assault in some parts of the region.
The Russia Factor in China's North Korea Challenge
By Joel Wuthnow
A closer look at a less obvious but potentially crucial variable.
Trump Is Undercutting America’s Allies and Strengthening China’s Hand
By Chris Carothers
Meanwhile, the Presidents of South Korea and Taiwan are trying to ride the tiger of Trumpian uncertainty .
A Tragic and Avoidable Death on Manus Island
By Anna Shea
The recent death of Hamed Shamshiripour highlights Australia’s vicious policies toward asylum seekers.
Chinese Double Standards in the Maritime Domain
By Tuan N. Pham
Beijing clearly understands its maritime rights, but does not necessarily tolerate and accept the same rights for others.
Why the US Has to Take the First Step in Deescalating Tensions With North Korea
By Daniel DePetris
How to get out of the North Korea morass.