Topic
Society

Kazakhstan’s Slow Shift Away From Celebrating Victory Day
By Albert Otkjær
While the Soviet victory in World War II 80 years ago is still celebrated today, its form has changed to be less about Soviet heritage, and more about Kazakh national identity.

The 2nd Genocide of the Rohingya
By Rohim Ullah
Photos and survivor testimonies underscore how violence in Rakhine State is creating a new wave of death, trauma, and displacement.

Filipino Journalists Continue to Face Attacks Despite ‘Improved’ Media Situation
By Mong Palatino
Despite rising in RSF's latest World Press Freedom Index, the country is far from hospitable to independent or critical journalists.

Vietnam and the Contested Memory of April 30, 1975
By Christelle Nguyen
Was the fall of South Vietnam something to celebrate or grieve? New grassroots initiatives in Vietnam are working to diversify and democratize historical memory.

The Dimash Phenomenon: Kazakhstan’s Soft Power
By Zhengisbek Tolen and Zhangeldi Agybay
By promoting Kazakh music, enhancing international relations, boosting tourism, and leveraging digital influence, Dimash Qudaibergen has assumed a pivotal role in Kazakhstan’s soft power strategy.

Under the Eternal Blue Sky: How Mongolian Families Are Reimagining Ger Living
By Devor Rodabaugh
A community-based initiative is helping ger district families transition from polluting coal stoves to solar-powered heating.

PACE Issues Declaration on Afghan Women in Central Asia
By Wilder Alejandro Sánchez
Members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe recently signed a declaration noting the dire situation of Afghan women and girls, some of whom are in Central Asia receiving education.

50 Years After the War, Vietnam’s Greatest Challenge May Lie in the Realm of Memory
By Leo Tran
The country is moving closer to a genuine reckoning with painful and politically sensitive realities about the war that pitted Vietnamese against each other.

Russian Raids Target Central Asians in Cafes, Bathhouses
By Catherine Putz
Central Asian governments have been meek in the face of Moscow's repeated targeting of the region’s citizens.

Does Southeast Asia Lead the World in Human Flourishing?
By Paul Marshall
In a new global study attempting to measure contentment and quality of life, Indonesia and the Philippines are ranked first and third, respectively.

Indonesian Cinema Booms as Industry Expands Beyond Classic Horror Formula
By Aisyah Llewellyn
Rather than rely on the "scare tactics" of the past, the country's filmmakers are beginning to tackle more complex and ambitious subjects.

Why Beijing Is Worried About Chinese People’s ‘Well-being’
By G.A. Donovan
China’s leaders worry about how to keep society stable as more people struggle to manage the stress of daily life – and a few lash out with acts of horrific violence.