Blog
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.
April 01, 2021
Killing, Violence, and Detention: Myanmar Is No Place for Children
By Hassan Noor
Since the coup, Myanmar’s military has killed 43 children, detained 20, and traumatized countless more.
March 31, 2021
China-US Relations: Views From China
By Mu Chunshan
Understanding how ordinary Chinese people view the relationship is a crucial, but often overlooked, element in getting U.S. policy right.
March 29, 2021
The Myanmar Crisis and the Contradictions of ‘Non-Interference’
By Kyaw Khant
As the situation in Myanmar worsens, it is becoming harder for outside nations to remain neutral.
March 26, 2021
How the Olympic Movement Can Resist Beijing’s Games
By Ben Lowsen
The world at large cannot expect the IOC to address every issue, but the issue of genocide is too great to ignore.
March 26, 2021
Politics Are Keeping the UN From Protecting Children
By Karin Landgren
International pressure was critical to ending the use of child soldiers in Nepal. The United Nations can’t let politics undermine its mission to do so elsewhere.
March 25, 2021
Sri Lanka’s Proposed ‘Burqa Ban’ Would Backfire
By Nilay Saiya
If Sri Lanka adopts the burqa ban and refuses to address systemic issues of bias and discrimination against Muslims, it will only create a breeding ground for terrorism.
March 24, 2021
Rehumanizing US North Korea Policy
By Esther S. Im and Paul K. Lee
The challenges on the Korean Peninsula have never just been abstract foreign policy issues happening “over there” – they have touched the lives of thousands of American families.
March 22, 2021
India’s Absurd Sedition Law – And What It Enables
By Aditya Sharma
The Indian Penal Code is replete with pernicious and outdated laws. Its Section 124A is a marquee example.
March 22, 2021
Have the Gates of Hell Been Opened Upon Myanmar?
By Gerard McDermott
The crisis in Myanmar has exhibited some signs that a devastating and deeply divisive conflict may be on the horizon.
March 19, 2021
The Myanmar Military is Trying to Divide and Terrorize the People. We Must Resist.
By Kyaw Hsan Hlaing
From the perspective of democracy and universal human rights, the common enemy is clear.
March 18, 2021
If China’s Anti-Uyghur Campaign Isn’t Genocide, What Is?
By Omer Kanat
If the world’s only response to genocide is to engage in endless debate of the term, then “never again” is truly an empty promise.
March 17, 2021
Sustainable Development Goals Can Guide Asia-Pacific To Build Back Better
By Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana
The region fell short of its 2020 milestones for the Goals, even before entering the global pandemic. As the Asia-Pacific rebuilds, it must change course.