Vietnam’s booming Korean classes
In 2021, Vietnam adopted Korean as a primary foreign language in schools.
Why Philippine Christmas begins in September
The long Christmas is a necessary prelude—a gathering of strength before leaner months, the writer says, adding that when Filipinos celebrate early and long, they are not…
A grieving street dog in Bangladesh and reflections on environmental humanities
The headline that ignites public outrage—"Cruel housewife kills eight puppies"—is just the tip of a long, submerged pyramid of stories, the writer argues. Beneath it are…
Forests, fuel and food: Is expanding oil palm to Indonesia’s Papua worth the cost?
Forest loss to palm oil plantations directly weakens these dimensions by increasing disaster risk and exposing communities to instability.
Why India’s aviation crisis caused a meltdown
Every few years, India gets a reminder of just how fragile its aviation ecosystem really is.
Thailand-Cambodia conflict: The trap of a long war
ASEAN must prepare for a long contest of wills, not a sudden peace.
Gender-based violence cases must not be converted into moral debates
"Women are subjected to violence not because they deviate from ‘norms’, but often precisely within those conventional and domestic spaces. To claim that the crime is the…
Banning dynasties in the Philippines
The writer says that what the country needs is "nothing short of a comprehensive reform package, which creates real political parties, punishes corruption and vote-buying, and…
Afghanistan and regional paradox
Despite human rights violations at home, the Taliban have managed to establish a diplomatic presence in 39 capitals.
UN at a crossroads: Time for a woman — or Muslim — secretary-general
Member States have encouraged nominating a woman while also underscoring the importance of regional diversity.