Declining quality of Philippine senators and the need for change
The Senate is in a very sad state. Political parties and their stalwarts are themselves to blame. They nominate persons as candidates in their lineup based on popularity and name…
OPINION
Dealing with the Taliban
Neither side wants a breakdown in relations, so diplomatic re-engagement is a compulsion.
The wheel of fortune is turning
The response to the house arrest issue from some of Umno’s top leaders illustrates Thucy-dides’ point that “if people think differently, they will act divergently."
Hijacking ‘People Power’ vs Marcoses
Over the past year, the once-invincible Dutertes have been gradually reduced to a ragtag cabal of “destabilisers” after getting purged from all key positions in the government.
Two sides of the social media coin
Where the Pakistan hybrid set-up’s near-total control of traditional media platforms has meant compliance and the dissemination of a view favourable to it, it has had to turn…
Street art and the democratisation of urban spaces
In Bangladesh, recent issues regarding street art demonstrate how it can serve as a form of protest, challenge authority, and spark discourse.
Sustainable tourism: Between revenues and national heritage preservation
Countries are counting the costs of overtourism, such as environmental degradation, garbage crises, water shortages and irresponsible behaviors of tourists whose numbers have…
Populism and democracy: Lessons from the US and Indonesia
The narrative of victimhood and rebellion against elites mirrors trends in Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, where populist rhetoric has significantly shaped political…
RCEP can release potential of region’s blue economy
Maritime transport accounted for more than 94 percent of China's foreign trade and over 60 percent of ASEAN's foreign trade, and 65 percent of China-ASEAN trade in 2023.
BNP’s show of force on Dhaka’s Airport Road and a political culture that refuses to change
The BNP, on Tuesday night, made a clear show of its lack of respect for the people whose support they hope will carry them into power, says the writer.