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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.
Actually, Malaysia’s Multi-Ethnic Coalition Died in 1969
By James Chin
Those who believe that the BN is a genuine multi-ethnic coalition have simply fallen for the slick propaganda.
Afghanistan and Turkmenistan: A Model for Regional Economic Cooperation
By M. Ashraf Haidari
"In essence, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan fight against terrorism and radicalism by reducing extreme poverty."
Why Trump Should Beware the North Korea Double Freeze Deal
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The administration must keep in mind limitations of a proposal that has been gaining momentum.
How India Should Respond to China’s Belt and Road
By Suman Bery
New Delhi needs to up its economic diplomacy game.
What China's Stance on Hong Kong Means for US-Taiwan Relations
By Joseph Bosco
If the Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong is now void, why should the Shanghai Communique stand?
Investment in Bay of Bengal Will Unlock Potential for Billions
By Sajeeb Wazed
The region is "fast becoming a hub for international commerce."
One Year Later, Duterte Remains a Human Rights Nightmare
By James Gomez
“I don’t care about human rights, you better believe me.”
South Korea and Brazil Rejected Their Female Leaders
By Dawisson Belém Lopes
The impeachment scandals that entangled Park Geun-hye and Dilma Rousseff smack of misogyny.
How Zbigniew Brzezinski Shaped US-China Relations
By Chi Wang
Dr. Brzezinski played an instrumental, but often overlooked, role in the normalization of U.S.-China relations.
Human Rights Under Siege in Hong Kong
By Mabel Au
Beijing has signaled its intent to curtail freedom of expression and judicial independence in Hong Kong.
Remembering Lawi Weng, Imprisoned Myanmar Journalist
By Scott Ezell
"Lawi is now in danger of becoming a victim of the same state terrorism he has fought to uncover and resist."
Churchill and Orwell: Why They Fought
By Franz-Stefan Gady
A new book sheds light on Winston Churchill and George Orwell’s separate battles for a common cause: individual liberty.