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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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Why It’s Time to Rename the South China Sea

Why It’s Time to Rename the South China Sea

By Edmund Lin
The sea needs a name that honors its rich history of commercial and cultural exchange, while positioning the sea as a space for cooperation and mutual benefit.
US Congress Should Support the Transnational Repression Reporting Act

US Congress Should Support the Transnational Repression Reporting Act

By Rasheed Ahmed
The bill is poised to help a wide range of U.S. citizens contending with threats from the governments of India, Saudi Arabia, Iran, China, and other regimes.

The Arrest of Mech Dara (Part I): Repression and Retaliation

The Arrest of Mech Dara (Part I): Repression and Retaliation

By Jacob Sims
How one journalist’s plight reveals the need for global solidarity against criminal autocracy in Cambodia.

Closing the Afghan Embassy in London Is a Moral and Diplomatic Mistake

Closing the Afghan Embassy in London Is a Moral and Diplomatic Mistake

By Ramiz Bakhtiar
Thousands of Afghan nationals residing in the U.K. rely on essential services provided by the embassy in London.

To Solve the Plastic Crisis, We Must Phase out Production

To Solve the Plastic Crisis, We Must Phase out Production

By Xuan Quach
Promoting recycling without a systems change that unlocks drastic reduction of plastics is merely greenwashing.
Getting to Know Prabowo

Getting to Know Prabowo

By James Van Zorge
Indonesia's incoming president, who will take office on October 20, remains poorly understood in the West.

The Global Community Must Stop Enabling the Taliban’s Abuse

The Global Community Must Stop Enabling the Taliban’s Abuse

By Natalie Gonnella-Platts
The United Nations and other international players regularly undermine their own posture against the Taliban through leniency, loopholes, and lack of sanctions enforcement.
Singapore or Bangladesh?: The Two Futures of Indonesia’s Economy Under Prabowo Subianto

Singapore or Bangladesh?: The Two Futures of Indonesia’s Economy Under Prabowo Subianto

By Achmad Hanif Imaduddin
Will Prabowo's efforts to create a government without opposition lead the country toward prosperity, or increased political conflict?

Australia Needs to Step up Its Climate Advocacy at the UN Summit of the Future

Australia Needs to Step up Its Climate Advocacy at the UN Summit of the Future

By Will Devine
The Pacific needs Australia to do more on climate change, and the upcoming summit in New York might be Canberra’s next best opportunity.

The IOC Should Help Protect North Korean Athletes Returning From the Paris Olympics

The IOC Should Help Protect North Korean Athletes Returning From the Paris Olympics

By Robbie Newton
Returning athletes have reportedly faced “ideological evaluations” and potential punishment for actions that their government views with suspicion.

In Asia, Zero Waste Is Proving to Be a Climate Solution

In Asia, Zero Waste Is Proving to Be a Climate Solution

By Sonia G. Astudillo
Decentralized and community-led zero waste practices are a low-hanging fruit in addressing the climate crisis.
Engagements With the Myanmar Military Undermine Localized Approaches to Humanitarian Assistance

Engagements With the Myanmar Military Undermine Localized Approaches to Humanitarian Assistance

By Maggi Quadrini
International organizations should focus on strengthening local networks and providing cross-border aid rather than waiting for authorization from the junta to operate in conflict zones. 

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