2022/05/16 |
What a Marcos Jr Presidency in the Philippines Means for Geopolitics
The Philippines might be Asia’s oldest democracy, but the continued appetite for strongman rule demonstrates a deep ambivalence about liberal democracy’s promises of political equality and rule of law and the likely continuation of the public’s acceptance of the autocratic practices that characterized Duterte’s presidency.
2022/10/19 |
The 20th Party Congress and the Crowning of Xi Jinping
Xi Jinping’s maneuverings to ensure his personal domination in the CCP, long in the planning, threaten to upset a bedrock of the durability of the party.
2022/01/26 |
The Restoration of Democracy in Honduras Isn’t About China — Or Taiwan
Pundits tend to interpret the victory of any leftwing political force in Latin America as a geopolitical triumph for China — and so an existential threat to Taiwan. But this myopic and self-defeating perspective doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.
2022/03/21 |
Ukraine: Why China Is Not Yet Bailing Out Russia
China has been careful not to make enemies in Europe. Ukraine and much of the former Soviet Union are key components in the ongoing Belt-and-Road initiatives to build a massive international infrastructure of trade routes.
2022/12/01 |
Anwar’s Victory Not the Only Malaysian Shockwave
A dramatic rise in the Islamist vote in the Muslim-majority country is the biggest outcome of the election.
2022/06/09 |
To What Extent Do South Koreans Perceive North Korean Cyberattacks as a Threat?
A recent survey of South Koreans indicates that cyberattacks are viewed as a threat comparable to nuclear weapons, particularly among the elderly.
2022/04/08 |
Shanghai Continues Citywide Lock-down Despite Public Outcry, Food Shortages, and Chaos
As the Chinese government tries to suppress the outbreak in Shanghai under zero-Covid policy, it is said that more recent deaths have been related to the lockdown than the virus.
2022/10/21 |
Beijing Banner Protest Ripples Outward as China Maintains Silence
“It will tell future generations that even in the darkest of times, there are people who will stand up for themselves.”
2022/08/10 |
ICC Pushes Probe on the Philippines’ Drug War
The Philippines’ decision not to rejoin the International Criminal Court sets a precedent for other countries to leave multilateral institutions whenever state leaders feel intimidated or uncomfortable.
2022/02/07 |
Teenage Girl Accuses Military of Rape and Torture Because of Her Family’s Activism
“In the context of the ongoing armed conflict in the Philippines, thousands of military elements are deployed in civilian communities who intentionally target women and girls with sexual violence in order to achieve particular military objectives.”
2022/03/03 |
China Positions Itself as Mediator Between Russia, Ukraine
A mediation attempt would divert international attention from China’s controversial goal of unifying with Taiwan, experts say.
2022/09/27 |
‘Where’s the President?’ Trends as Super Typhoon Batters the Philippines
Marcos posted a video of his trip to the United States while his constituents was bracing for the devastating impact of the typhoon.
2022/08/04 |
Does ASEAN Really Need an Official “Second Language”?
If Southeast Asia really needs to have official languages, choosing all the national languages of the ASEAN countries would be a prudent move.
2022/08/05 |
Pelosi Visit to Taiwan May Prompt More High-Level Visits
Analysts say China may be losing the narrative on the “One China” policy because visits such as Pelosi’s bring more international exposure and recognition of Taiwan.
2022/02/21 |
What Happens to Uyghurs After Competing in the Olympics?
“For decades, the stereotypical ‘happily dancing Uyghur’ has served as a puppet of propaganda for China’s official ‘ethnic unity and harmony’ narrative.”
2022/04/29 |
Myanmar Junta Hits Opposition Forces With Communications Blackouts
Myanmar’s junta has been cracking down on opposition forces by cutting off mobile internet service and telephone lines in strongholds of local armed groups.
2022/07/29 |
Is Japan’s Whaling Industry Going Under as Demand Sinks?
Japan’s whaling industry is struggling to stay afloat as government subsidies dwindle and consumers are less interested in what used to be a staple food on Japanese dinner tables.
2022/05/20 |
Lies, Damn Lies, and North Korea’s Covid Statistics
Why has Pyongyang suddenly fessed up to an outbreak after years of insisting the virus has been held completely at bay?