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."
The Asian View
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."
Why the Philippines needs a corruption museum
The writer says: "A museum would be more than history. It would be pedagogy. It would show young Filipinos what corruption really means: the use of public office for private gain."
South Korea: Navigating between Scylla and Charybdis
The writer says: "Our leaders must choose the right passage and navigate the rough tides carefully."
From tragedy to reform: Rethinking democracy and public ethics in Indonesia
The tragic death of gig driver Affan Kurniawan on Aug. 28 is more than a procedural failure, but a wake-up call that should be wielded as a lightning rod for reforms that embrace…
What holds Pakistan back?
A narrow elite, resistant to reform, prioritises its own interests over that of the people, says the writer.
The Hunger Games in the making in Indonesia’s Independence Month
Indonesia initiated sweeping reforms in 1998 not only because of high prices but because symbols of extravagance amid suffering made the pain unbearable.
More than conspicuous consumption
The writer says: "It’s easy to dismiss these videos as nothing more than crude platforms for bragging about possessions. But the fact that they attract millions of viewers…