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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.

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Myanmar’s Resistance Must Be Transparent Regarding ICC Arrest Warrants

Myanmar’s Resistance Must Be Transparent Regarding ICC Arrest Warrants

By Tin Shine Aung
The National Unity Government must be honest with the public about what the recent arrest warrant application does – and does not – entail.
The Mauritius-UK Chagos Agreement Is a Good Deal for the US

The Mauritius-UK Chagos Agreement Is a Good Deal for the US

By Peter Harris
President Trump should not stand in the way of the breakthrough, which benefits all sides. 

The Challenges for BRICS in 2025 Under the Brazilian Presidency

The Challenges for BRICS in 2025 Under the Brazilian Presidency

By Lucas Lima
Brazil takes the helm at a moment when diplomatic pragmatism should take precedence over some of the bloc’s more polarizing initiatives.

Fostering Stronger Business Ties Between Mongolia and the United States 

Fostering Stronger Business Ties Between Mongolia and the United States 

By Bolor Lkhaajav, Egiimaa Tsolmonbaatar, and Adiya Oyungerel
Despite other positive trends, during the Biden administration, there was no substantial increase in U.S. businesses entering Mongolia.

Coercion and Criminality: Cambodia’s Dual Threat to Regional and Global Stability

Coercion and Criminality: Cambodia’s Dual Threat to Regional and Global Stability

By Jacob Sims
As the harms of Cambodia's criminalized political economy ripple outward, governments in the region and further afield must move beyond their muted, incoherent response.
China-US Cooperation on the Fentanyl Crisis Is Very Possible

China-US Cooperation on the Fentanyl Crisis Is Very Possible

By Marcel Arsenault
Bilateral cooperation on fentanyl can save lives, protect societies and punish drug traffickers.

Bangladesh’s Fragile Progress Toward Freedom of Expression

Bangladesh’s Fragile Progress Toward Freedom of Expression

By A K M Wahiduzzaman
The interim government’s draft Cyber Security Ordinance mirrors the repressive legal frameworks of previous administrations.
Taiwan’s Constitutional Crisis Threatens Its Democracy

Taiwan’s Constitutional Crisis Threatens Its Democracy

By You-Hao Lai
The Constitutional Court has been effectively sidelined through a legislative gambit – and the biggest losers are the Taiwanese people. 

Burmese Tofu Diplomacy: Myanmar’s Democratic Forces and Their Engagement with China and India

Burmese Tofu Diplomacy: Myanmar’s Democratic Forces and Their Engagement with China and India

By Tin Shine Aung
The National Unity Government needs a proactive strategy for gaining recognition from the region's two superpowers.

The South Korean Government and Presidential Security Service Are Trampling the Rule of Law

The South Korean Government and Presidential Security Service Are Trampling the Rule of Law

By Eunwoo Lee
Their blind protection of President Yoon Suk-yeol perpetuates his insurrection.

Is Japan’s Sudden Pivot to China Naïve? 

Is Japan’s Sudden Pivot to China Naïve? 

By Yukari Easton
Japan has little to show for an unprecedented relaxing of its visa program for Chinese nationals.
3 Years on: Kazakhstan’s Kafkaesque System Fails Bloody January Torture Victims 

3 Years on: Kazakhstan’s Kafkaesque System Fails Bloody January Torture Victims 

By Alva Omarova
While over 30 security and law enforcement officials have been convicted for abuse during Bloody January, the number remains low compared to the scale of violations.

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