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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.
How the US Can Make Myanmar a Foreign Policy Success Story
By Salai Za Uk Ling
Supporting the country’s pro-democracy movement is both a moral imperative and a strategic necessity for Washington.
How Australia Can Reinforce Its Commitment to International Humanitarian Law
By Grant Wyeth
Australia’s responsibility lies in being a prominent champion of international humanitarian law in concert with other like-minded partners.
Funding Freedom in China: Time for Private Donors to Step Up
By Rana Siu Inboden
Many Chinese civil society organizations became reliant on now-frozen U.S. government aid after funding from private U.S. organizations dried up.
What’s Missing From Australia’s Gender Equality Strategy?
By Grant Wyeth
The male backlash to female empowerment is a locally and globally destabilizing force and should be directly addressed.
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.