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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.
Asia Has Its Own Strands of Racism. It’s Time to Take Them Seriously.
By Alastair Bonnett
Racism is a problem around the world, but is often overlooked when the problem doesn’t fit neatly into the much-discussed American framework.
Anthony Albanese Must Be More Than a National Security Prime Minister
By Philipp Ivanov
The challenges facing Australia are formidable. To navigate them we must accept our place at the heart of a shared region.
Fighting the Fear: The Execution of Members of Myanmar’s Opposition Must be Stopped
By Han Htoo Khant Paing and Richard Roewer
The country's military junta is seeking to erase all memory of Myanmar's pro-democracy struggle. It can't be allowed to succeed.
Arakan Army on Collision Course with the Military in Myanmar’s Rakhine State
By Thomas Kean
While many hope that the AA will join the fight against the military junta, a return to war would be devastating for the people of Rakhine.
It’s Time for Australia to Take a Fresh Look at Indonesia
By Ross Taylor
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's trip to Jakarta is a good opportunity for Canberra to reset relations with its largest Southeast Asian neighbor.
The World Has Not Learnt the Lessons of the Tiananmen Square Massacre
By Wu’er Kaixi and Rahima Mahmut
Instead, while the world slept, Chinese authoritarianism metastasized.
Is Indonesia’s Grand Experiment with Democracy Coming to an End?
By Dr. Rizal Ramli
A push to allow President Joko Widodo to run for a third term threatens to erode the foundations of the country's multiparty system.
Is Biden Bringing ‘Strategic Ambiguity’ on Taiwan to an End?
By Mark S. Cogan
Despite his recent gaffes about U.S. policy toward Taiwan, Biden's caution and conservatism are likely to carry the day.
Decades of Resistance: An Indian Community’s Struggle Against a Polluting Steel Plant
By Prasant Paikray
For two decades, the village of Dhinkia has pushed back against plans for destructive, polluting “development projects” in the area.
Cambodia Needs Democracy, Not Another Electoral Charade
By Kasit Piromya
When Cambodians vote in commune elections this weekend, the world should not be fooled by the appearance of political pluralism.
It Is in ASEAN’s Strategic Interest to Admit Timor-Leste Now
By Truston Yu
If the nation is not admitted soon, it will fall further behind the 10 members of the Southeast Asian bloc.
Unwelcome Refugees: Afghans Continue to Face Pushback and Deportation
By Themba Lewis and Hanh Nguyen
As half a million Ukraine refugees move west into Europe, what happens to the solidarity the world once shared for Afghans?