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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.
Uyghurs Have No Faith in Michelle Bachelet’s UN Visit to China
By Omer Kanat
The United Nations, an organization established in the aftermath of one genocide, has yet to impose any consequences, or even to officially condemn, China’s genocide against the Uyghur people.
The US-ASEAN Summit Should Prioritize Internet Freedom
By Michael Caster
Washington should use the upcoming Special Summit to take a firm stand against the rising digital authoritarianism in Southeast Asian nations.
This Tiger Cub is Only the Tip of the Iceberg of an Illegal Trade
By Natalie Phaholyothin
Many Asian countries have passed strong laws against the tiger trade, but implementation remains patchy. That needs to change.
Remember Afghanistan’s Hazaras
By Knox Thames
Can anything be done to help the Hazaras in Afghanistan?
Northeast Asian Security Will Require North Korea’s Regional Reintegration
By Toby Dalton and Ankit Panda
South Korean, U.S., and regional security would be improved through risk reduction measures – such as reconnecting North Korea to regional security processes.
How International Donors Can Better Offer Humanitarian Aid to Myanmar
By Shine Aung
If the world wants to help the country's people, it needs to work with the trusted – but poorly resourced – organizations in Myanmar's border regions.
US-ASEAN Summit Is a Chance to Chart a New Course for Myanmar Policy
By Salai Za Uk Ling
Washington should use the upcoming summit with ASEAN to work out a new multilateral strategy to respond to the ongoing crisis.
Australia’s Indo-Pacific Engagement: Fear, Honor, and Interests
By John Blaxland
Cooperation, competition, and contestation are at the heart of Australia’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific.
Disinformation Poses a Grave Threat to Democracy in the Philippines
By Mu Sochua
The return of the Philippine's once-disgraced Marcos clan has been aided by a flood of coordinated online manipulation.
For Tibetans, Putin’s Invasion of Ukraine Sparks Bitter Memories
By Yeshi Dorje
Mao’s unprovoked invasion of Tibet in 1949-50 also relied on a heavily distorted historical narrative designed to confuse Chinese citizens and the world.
‘Empathy Diplomacy’: A New Key to Unlocking East Asia’s Geopolitical Quagmire?
By Jin Kai
The long-term solution to tensions in East Asia is for the neighboring countries to start taking each other’s security concerns more seriously.
Time for the International Community to Abandon the ASEAN Consensus on Myanmar
By Salai Za Uk Ling
ASEAN’s approach to Myanmar hasn't made any progress. The world must stop pretending it will.