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Looking Back at a Hot Railroad Summer for Central Asia and Afghanistan
In July, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan all signed agreements with Afghanistan related to the development of railways.
South Korean President Holds Press Conference to Mark 100 Days in Office
Lee reiterated his vision to restore the country’s democratic system, while also touching on foreign policy issues.
How Indiana Became a Stronghold for Tibetan Culture – and the Dalai Lama’s Influence
A cultural center in the U.S. state demonstrates how the authority of Tibet’s spiritual leader has gained new forms of strength in exile.
How Should the US Approach Taliban-Ruled Afghanistan?
A former U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan says that talking with the Taliban is necessary, but cautions that a diplomatic return to Kabul would be a “gift” that shouldn’t be given freely.
Nepal’s Political Future Now in Army’s Hands
Following similar uprisings in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Nepal’s young protesters have toppled their prime minister, attacked political parties, and triggered an army-backed search for an interim government.
The End of World War II: 80 Years Times Three
Three 80th anniversaries are not only linked, but also provide historical backing for China’s policies today.
Most Read
Nepal’s Gen Z Force Prime Minister Oli to Resign
With his resignation, Oli has become the latest casualty of mass protests in South Asian countries.
The US Is Rethinking the India-Pakistan Dynamic
Washington’s South Asia strategy is shifting, and it is this recalibration – rather than tariffs – that threatens to inject lasting volatility into ties with New Delhi.
What Did Central Asia Get Out of the SCO?
For Central Asia, the SCO has become a venue for deepening relations with China and managing relations with Russia.
Magazine
Can ASEAN Truly Remain Neutral Between the US and China?
Malaysia’s approach as chair epitomizes the bloc’s difficult balancing act.
Kabul Will Never Be the Same Again
24 years after the U.S. invasion, and four years after the Taliban’s triumphant return to power, the question lingers: Were the war’s many sacrifices worth anything?
Memory as Destiny: China and East Asia 80 Years After World War II
History in East Asia is never just history. It is weaponized, re-scripted, and deeply entangled in present-day struggles for legitimacy, identity, and power.
Napon Jatusripitak on How the Cambodia-Thailand Tensions Spiraled Into Conflict
“These flashpoints alone cannot account for the speed or scale of the escalation, or the intensity of the nationalist fervor it has unleashed.”
Blogs
China Power
A New World Order
The End of World War II: 80 Years Times Three
Three 80th anniversaries are not only linked, but also provide historical backing for China’s policies today.
How Taiwan Is Trying to Defend Its Democracy From Mis- and Disinformation
While Xi Watched a Military Parade in Beijing, Pope Leo XIV Held a Reception on the Catholic Church in China
For Beijing’s Foreign Disinformation, the Era of AI-Driven Operations Has Arrived
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
24 Years Later, Is the World on the Brink of Another 9/11?
Taliban-ruled Afghanistan has once again become a safe haven for transnational terrorist groups including al-Qaida, Islamic State, the TTP, and others.
Tracking Conflict in the Asia-Pacific: September 2025 Update
Rational Alignment in Multipolar Competition: India and Russia’s Strategic Pull Toward China
The SCO Tianjin Summit: Unity in Pageantry, Division in Practice?
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
President Lee’s Reshuffle of the South Korean Military
Given South Korea’s bitter experience with military dictators – and last year’s declaration of martial law – the appointment of senior generals is a matter of great importance.
Despite Political Headwinds, India and US Continue Military Cooperation
At 2+2, Japan, Australia Hail Milestone in Defense Cooperation
US Sends Signal Via Pakistan to Beijing on Counterterrorism Cooperation
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
Thailand, Cambodia Pledge to De-escalate Situation at Disputed Border
The two sides have agreed to withdraw heavy weaponry, begin joint de-mining operations, and move toward reopening of trade routes.
US Government Announces New Sanctions on Scam Networks in Myanmar, Cambodia
Thai Court Orders Former PM Thaksin to Serve 1 Year in Prison
Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Removed in Cabinet Reshuffle
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
India and Israel’s Investment Treaty Marks a Quiet Step Toward IMEC
The Israel-India treaty, while bilateral, may be read as a step toward keeping the IMEC concept alive, even as its political underpinnings remain uncertain.
How Should the US Approach Taliban-Ruled Afghanistan?
Nepal’s Political Future Now in Army’s Hands
Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal’s Legitimacy Under a Cloud
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
South Korean President Holds Press Conference to Mark 100 Days in Office
Lee reiterated his vision to restore the country’s democratic system, while also touching on foreign policy issues.
South Korea Considers Setting up a Special Tribunal for Insurrection
The Dark Side of China-North Korea Cooperation: Forced Labor
Kim Jong Un Attends China’s Military Parade
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
The Top Priority for Japan’s Next Prime Minister: The Economy
It will be difficult to truly address Japan’s inflation and debt woes given the fragile political environment.
Japan-South Korea Relations: Summit Signals Change in Direction
As Ishiba Steps Down, Japan Will Get Yet Another New Prime Minister
Prince Hisahito and Japan’s Imperial Future
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
Russia’s Nuclear ‘Diplomacy’: From Seizing a Nuclear Facility in Ukraine to Backing Myanmar’s Military Junta
Moscow's nuclear ambitions in Southeast Asia should strike fear into Myanmar’s neighbors.
Afghanistan: When Disaster Meets Gender Apartheid
No, China’s Isn’t Leading an Anti-West Bloc
China’s Parade of Power
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
Looking Back at a Hot Railroad Summer for Central Asia and Afghanistan
In July, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan all signed agreements with Afghanistan related to the development of railways.
Kloop Trial Underway in Kyrgyzstan: Witnesses, Experts Can’t Find ‘Calls for Mass Unrest’
In Annual State of the Nation Address, Tokayev Proposes a Unicameral Parliament for Kazakhstan
Trump Holds Call With Uzbek President, a Shouted Question About Kazakhstan Steals Headlines
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
How Indiana Became a Stronghold for Tibetan Culture – and the Dalai Lama’s Influence
A cultural center in the U.S. state demonstrates how the authority of Tibet’s spiritual leader has gained new forms of strength in exile.
Brazil and Mexico Chart Different Courses Amid China-US Tensions
Trump’s Policies Strain South Korea-US Alliance
India-US Relations in the Shadow of American Decline
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
Is Vietnam Becoming the New Thailand?
Despite COVID-19 and global trade tensions, Vietnam's exports and current account surplus continue to grow.
Evergrande’s Delisting Exposes China’s Slow Bankruptcy Trap
US Tariffs Turn the Screws on India’s Indigenous Industries
US Policy Shift Complicates South Korean Semiconductor Operations in China
Oceania
The South Pacific
Reforming Australia’s Migration to Favor Skilled Workers, Not Family Reunion
Australia’s migration program has failed to deliver what it promises. It brings in relatively few genuinely skilled workers, while favoring family migration.
Australia’s Real Immigration Problem
What to Make of the Australian Defense Minister’s ‘Happenstance Encounter’ at the Pentagon
Porepunkah Shooting Highlights Threat ‘Sovereign Citizens’ Pose to Australia
Videos
Asia on Video
Podcasts
Asia Geopolitics
What Actually Mattered at China’s Big Military Parade?
It was a big week for China, hosting an SCO Summit in Tianjin and then a massive military parade in Beijing. The world was watching closely.
South Korea’s Lee Hits the Road to Japan and the United States
Geopolitical Ripple Effects: US-Russia, China-India, and More
Reviewing Thailand and Cambodia’s July 2025 Border Skirmish
Photo Essays
Asia in Pictures
Self-Help Groups Are Transforming Women’s Lives in India
For decades, men ruled the farms in Bihar. Now, it’s women who are reshaping the agricultural economy.