India’s balancing act in Tianjin
Contrary to views, the writer argues, New Delhi’s attempts to resolve its differences with Beijing are not due to tariffs imposed by Donald Trump, though these are a factor, but…
The Asian View
Marcos metamorphosis: Anti-corruption hero?
With the current President entering his legacy years, the writer says, he risks alienating key allies, who could defect to the resurgent Duterte camp, which has been shamelessly…
Shifting global dynamics
The Tianjin summit reflected the geopolitical shifts underway in a world marked by growing multipolarity and in which Trumpian policies are accelerating some of these shifts, says…
Lawlessness in Bangladesh: Inaction as policy, lawlessness as outcome
The writer says: "The country deserves better than a government that only condemns after the fact. Words are not governance. Inaction is complicity. And when mobs dictate the…
The politics of protests
Intelligence officers and diplomats the writer spoke to agreed that the protests in Malaysia and Indonesia began as organic grassroots movements. However, they believe that…
Through Indonesia’s mirror
The writer says: "Today, it seems the Indonesians are showing us what it means to vent public fury over betrayal by leaders. While the immediate circumstances differ, the motifs…
Trump show without Trump
The writer says: "Whether an anti-US bloc materialises depends less on speeches than on duration — specifically, how long President Trump’s reckless diplomacy lasts."
Why are we trying to make Bangladesh’s election uncertain?
Partisan interests are being pushed above those of the people, the writer laments.
Street protests – a tale of two nations
Indonesian protests are usually led by labour and student leaders and they often take their grievances to the streets in huge numbers, while in Malaysia, the groups which organise…
E-payments are making Bangladeshis lose control of their finances
The writer says, "The rise of digital payments has made money feel intangible and, with that, our sense of control has weakened."