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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.
Bangladesh’s New Democracy Under Threat From Flood of Misinformation
By Farhana Sultana
The country's democratic revolution is being targeted by both external and internal sources of misinformation and propaganda.
What’s Paul Keating’s Problem With Taiwan?
By Grant Wyeth
Once again the former Australian prime minister has made headlines, this time by making the ahistorical claim that Taiwan is “sitting on Chinese real estate.”
Why the Next US President Should Shift Myanmar Policy
By Than N. Oo
The hands-off approach to the ongoing conflict in Myanmar is a significant foreign policy mistake.
The Devastating Gendered Impacts of Myanmar’s Coup
By Michelle Onello
Women and girls have been disproportionately affected by the junta's repression. They are also playing leading roles in the resistance to its rule.
Why a Human Rights Lawyer Is Now the Defense Minister in Taiwan
By I-Min Hsiao
Wellington Koo is undoubtedly one of Taiwan’s most influential human rights lawyers. But why is he the best choice to strengthen Taiwan’s defense capabilities?
After Fleeing Repression, Hong Kongers in Exile Face Financial Blockades
By Megan Khoo
The denial of Hong Kongers’ savings is just one piece of the puzzle of transnational repression against the Hong Kong diaspora.
Kinmen Is Unlikely to Become Taiwan’s Crimea
By Justyna Szczudlik
China’s gray zone and cognitive warfare tactics are one issue; a Crimea-like scenario is another. We should not confuse the two.
Cambodian Cyber-Slavery Ends Age of Innocence for Microfinance Investors
By David Whitehouse
The country's epidemic of online scam operations testifies to a lack of state capacity that should have been a red flag for MFI boosters.
Gen Z in Bangladesh: Moving Beyond the ‘Traitor’ and ‘Freedom Fighter’ Binary
By Iftekhar Iqbal
The student protests prove that young Bangladeshis are ready to move beyond categorizations based on events from 50 years ago.
Why Australia Cannot Remain Aloof From a China-Taiwan Conflict
By Ganesh Sahathevan
Leading Australian thinkers assume business as usual with China in the event of war over Taiwan, but its regional neighbors may have different ideas.
High-Ranking North Korean Defectors: A Sign of Cracks in Kim Jong Un’s Regime?
By Lee Min-Yong
This trend may signal growing skepticism among North Korea’s elite, potentially undermining the foundation of Kim Jong Un’s regime.
Embracing Reuse Solutions: A Path Forward for Asia in the Global Plastic Treaty
By Rahyang Nusantara
Pioneering efforts in Asian countries seek to phase out single-use plastics for reusable alternatives.