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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 Manipur Polycrisis: Indigenous Pathways for Peace and Healing
By Binalakshmi Nepram
President’s rule can’t fix the broken state of Manipur, but local initiatives can.
Trump Is Ditching America’s European Allies. Don’t Be Sure He Won’t Abandon Its Asian Allies, Too.
By David Hutt
For the pathological pacifist who now occupies the Oval Office, nothing is off the table.
Forced Conscription in Myanmar: Stop Sending My Sisters to the Bombs
By Helianthus Oo
The implementation of the People's Military Service Law will allow the military to increase its control over women's lives and bodies.
Thailand’s Cooperation With China on Cross-border Crime Comes at a Cost
By Mark S. Cogan
The country has become an inhospitable place for foreign dissidents. The situation looks set to get worse.
Japan, World War II, and the Murayama Statement
By KAWASHIMA Shin
Approaching the 80th anniversary of the war’s end, Tokyo must adopt the right historical perspective.
Australia Must Seize Its Renewable Superpower Moment in Asia
By Luke Brown
With the Trump administration retreating from green energy, it is time for the leaders in Canberra to step up.
Hyundai’s Sustainability Push Rings Hollow While Automaker Exports Pollution
By Hyeran Hong
Hyundai-Kia has targeted 100 percent electrification in Europe, the United States, and South Korea, but it lacks concrete electrification targets for India and other Global South markets.
It’s Time to Move Beyond Federal Democracy in Myanmar
By Thurein Naing
Given the sorry trajectory of the country's recent history, a peaceful and structured dissolution might be better than a forced unity.
Why So Many Cambodians Travel Abroad For Medical Care
By Menghun Kaing
People with serious illnesses often do not feel that they can rely on their own country's healthcare system.
Is Anti-CPP Pro-Khmer Rouge? An Open Letter to Cambodia’s Justice Minister
By David Hutt
The Cambodian government still hasn't offered a convincing explanation for why it is outlawing the "denial" of Khmer Rouge atrocities.
The NUG’s Troubling Response to Aung San Suu Kyi Arrest Warrant in Rohingya Genocide Case
By Shafiur Rahman
An Argentine court considers Aung San Suu Kyi complicit in the Rohingya genocide of 2017. The NUG rejects that – and, worryingly, so do some Rohingya advocacy groups.
Is Japan a Friend in Need or a Friend Indeed for Bangladesh?
By Munira Chowdhury
Japan has locked Bangladesh into decades of pollution and plunged the economy into relying on expensive coal and LNG imports. But there’s an opportunity for a change of direction.