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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.
Tesla Pledges a Major Boost to Indonesia’s EV Ambitions
By Mark Field
Despite their concerns about its protectionism, Western governments should support President Joko Widodo's ambitions to make his nation a "key player" in the sector.
Justice More Important Than Ever as Rohingya Mark Bleak Anniversary
By Tun Khin
“It is high time that the world takes action to end the genocide against the Rohingya, starting with supporting the international justice efforts.”
In Afghanistan, the Situation for Children is Grim – and Getting Grimmer
By Ahmad
Two years after the Taliban’s reconquest, rates of poverty and malnutrition have skyrocketed among the country’s young.
Between China and Russia, Mongolia Stays Defiant – For Now
By Bayarkhuu Dashdorj
Without a sizable commercial and trade backbone, Mongolia-U.S. relations could yield under pressure from Russia and China.
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief: The Quad’s Path Forward in Southeast Asia
By Lucas Myers and Blake Berger
A focus on HA/DR would be a return to the Quad's roots – and an effective way to merge public goods provision and maritime security in a politically palatable manner
Is the Philippines Ready for a Taiwan Conflict?
By Nian Peng
The Philippines is becoming increasingly vocal about Taiwan, and Beijing is watching carefully.
Time for a Japan-Korea Élysée Treaty
By IWAMA Yoko
The two East Asian nations should take inspiration from landmark treaty in Europe.
Without Human Rights Sanctions, the World Is Normalizing China’s Genocide of Uyghurs
By Omer Kanat
Every visit by a U.S. official to China, without uttering a word about the Uyghurs, contributes to the alarming prospect of normalizing the Uyghur genocide.
The Taliban’s Gender Persecution in Afghanistan Is a Challenge to the World
By Nasir Andisha and Nazifa Haqpal
Afghanistan's women's movement, being pushed into a narrow corner, has the opportunity to consolidate intellectually and practically, and rise to the occasion as a consistent and cohesive actor.
2 Years of Taliban Rule: A Case for Humanitarian Intervention
By Atal Ahmadzai
The international community can use diplomatic, economic, and military sanctions to pressure a regime and its political and military leadership.
The CCP’s Zero COVID Campaign Left a Lasting Mark on Chinese Politics
By Wilson (Yuxi) Wen
Zero COVID artificially and unnecessarily created the perfect condition for a political thunderstorm that could shake the ruling legitimacy and control mechanism of the party-state.
Uzbekistan: The Tourism Destination Where LGBTQ+ Dare Not Venture
By Alva Omarova
No one should be imprisoned for who they love. Yet in Uzbekistan, the authorities engage in ongoing criminal prosecution and cruel treatment of members of the LGBTQ+ community.