Commentary / World Oct 14, 2022
The U.S. midterms and what they may mean for Asia
A Democratic Party victory in both houses would probably lead to a foreign policy more focused on Asia compared to the more isolationist-leaning Republican Party.
Commentary / World Jul 27, 2022
The challenges facing Washington’s Indo-Pacific economic policy
Holding face-to-face meetings with Asian leaders won’t gloss over the shortcomings of any initiatives offered by U.S. trade officials.
Commentary / World Jul 23, 2022
How Beijing’s unpopularity is undermining its global ambitions
Japan needs to team up with the U.S. and other allies to better understand and counter China’s attempts to influence Southeast Asian nations.
Commentary / World Apr 14, 2022
China goes all in with support for Myanmar's military regime
China believes Myanmar' military regime has the best chance of consolidating support for its rule, thereby protecting Beijing’s significant investments and strategic position in the country.
Commentary / World Mar 4, 2022
How Asia is responding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Given the lukewarm responses to calls for increased pressure on Russia so far from most South and Southeast Asian democracies, the West is unlikely to get much support in its efforts.
Commentary / World Feb 3, 2022
How advocates for democracy can stop military coups
Wherever possible, elected leaders should work to build public support for constitutional changes that dilute the power of militaries.
Commentary / World Dec 31, 2021
What to watch for in Southeast Asia in 2022
COVID-19 is not the only challenge countries in the region are facing in the coming year.
Commentary / World Nov 28, 2021
Biden’s democracy summit: Just talk or can it effect change?
Biden's summit comes at a challenging time for democracy. The global monitoring organization Freedom House called this year’s report on the state of global freedom “Democracy Under Siege.”
Commentary / World Nov 5, 2021
Lessons ASEAN could learn from Malaysia’s pandemic success
Malaysia has fully vaccinated more than 77% its population, with some 90% of adults — those deemed eligible for the vaccine — receiving a second dose.
Commentary / World Oct 11, 2021
Duterte's successor likely to continue Philippines' democratic regression
Another top potential contender, Duterte’s daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio, is currently mayor of Davao. She seems to act with the same disregard for the law as her father.