Politics

Hong Kong’s “Special Trading Status” with the United States: What is at Stake?

Washington’s threats to end Hong Kong’s special trade status could call into question the city's presence as a separate customs entity and international trading hub.

The Thrill of Victory, the Agony of Defeat – and the Yawn of Postponement?

Even before the coronavirus pandemic forced their postponement, the 2020 Tokyo Games were haunted by memories of past Japanese Olympiads.

The Blame Game: Asia, Democracy and Covid-19

Winning the battle against the coronavirus pandemic is not a case of democracy vs. dictatorship or “East vs. West”. What matters are trust, equality and competence.

Democracy in Southeast Asia: Elites are an Obstacle

Robin Ramcharan of the Asia Centre in Bangkok offers an approach for strengthening democratization in the region.

Challenging Days Ahead for Taiwan’s Re-elected Leader

In her second term, Tsai Ing-wen will need to navigate a tricky path between hardliners in her pro-independence party and Beijing.

Taiwan’s Elections Highlight a Generation Gap

The Taiwan elections revealed a wide generation gap among voters. A reason for this gulf is the use of social media and different perspectives on divisive social issues.

Governance and Stability in Cyberspace: What Will it Take?

While governments have long seen cybersecurity as a national concern, the need to include non-state actors in relevant policymaking is slowly being recognized.

Shaping the Political Narrative of Hong Kong’s Opposition Movement

What has kept the Hong Kong protests going? 2019 AsiaGlobal Fellow Massimiliano Santini believes it's all about political narrative.

Agricultural Subsidies and Climate Change: A Policy Reflection from Africa

Climate change is severely affecting smallholder farmers in Africa, who represent the majority of the agriculture sector across the continent.

In Indonesia, Water Can Be a Public and Private Good

As an archipelagic nation spread over 17,000 islands, Indonesia faces numerous challenges in addressing water supply and sanitation issues.

How the UN Compact on Refugees Can Address the Rohingya Crisis

Time to assess the international community's response to the dramatic increase of forced migrants: Rohingya refugee children attend class in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh

Abe Power and the US-China Cold War

Shinzo Abe, now Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, is steering Japan across tricky diplomatic waters.

The Almaty Spirit – Pathway to a Chinese Monroe Doctrine?

Russian President Vladimir Putin offers birthday greetings to Chinese leader Xi Jinping before the CICA plenary session in Dushanbe, June 15, 2019

For a Truly Global Peace Agenda in a Multipolar World

The Global South, particularly China and other Asian countries, is more active in conflict prevention and resolution

India’s Lost Decade – and How It Can Be Reversed

India could be settling into a structural slowdown - can its leaders implement necessary reforms such as meaningful measures to promote manufacturing?

Big Picture, Small Scale: Systems Thinking on the Ground

Australia’s Pacific “Step Up” Stumbles

Australia must find its home in the region instead of looking like the uncomfortable colonial among strangers.

Whose Rules-Based International Order is it Anyway?

Attempts by "like-minded" Western allies to strengthen the global system will have limited impact if their aim is to assert liberal values rather than shape a new order.