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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.
Liu Xiaobo Wasn’t China’s Only Prisoner of Conscience
By Benedict Rogers
The best way to honor his memory is to press China to end torture and free other dissidents.
Afghanistan: All That Glitters Is Not Gold
By Catherine Putz
There's a reason Afghanistan's resource wealth remains untapped.
India-China Doklam Standoff: A Chinese Perspective
By Liu Lin
The reasons for the outbreak of tensions are complex, and things could get worse before they could get better.
American Tianxia: What If This Isn't the Chinese Century?
By Francis P. Sempa
Salvatore Babones’s book challenges the narrative of U.S. decline and Chinese global dominance.
Australia Must Lift Its Game If It Wants to Lead on the Human Rights Council
By Tom Clarke
Australia now looks certain to take a seat at the UN’s Human Rights Council, but will it be constructive or a spoiler?
Imagining a 'Finlandized' Korea
By Ben Rimland
A recent proposal sparked controversy, but it's more feasible than it appears at first glance.
Cyclone Mora: Bangladesh’s Natural Disaster Warning System Saved Thousands
By Sajeeb Wazed
The country has made real strides in reducing its exposure to catastrophe.
Did Aung San Lead at Panglong – or Follow?
By Stanley A. Weiss
Myanmar's ethnic minorities have a different view on Aung San's place in history.
Where Is China's Corruption Crackdown?
By Chris Zhang
The campaign continues despite a somewhat rocky road.
Time for Nawaz Sharif to Resign
By Kunwar Khuldune Shahid
It is the prime minister's refusal to resign that will damage democracy in Pakistan.
The Doklam Standoff Is The Beginning of a Troubling New Era in India-China Ties
By Gaurav Kalwani
The Doklam standoff is just the beginning of challenging times for India.
Timor-Leste: Failing State or Missed Opportunity?
By Tahnee Reed
Worries about Timor-Leste are understandable, but analysts shouldn't overlook signs of progress.