Asia
Nationalist propaganda at a screen near you
Every country has its national myths – the beliefs and narratives that serve as the foundation of its national identity. These myths find expression through a nation’s culture. A…
An explanation for the decline of China’s aid in the Pacific
The dataset for the Lowy Institute Pacific Aid Map project has charted the fluctuating levels of China’s aid in the region. Between 2008 and 2016, the disbursed amount of Chinese…
Countdown to Asia’s summit season
After two years of Covid-19 hiatus, Asia’s “summit season” is back. This year the G20 meeting of top global economies will also be hosted in Asia, as well as the Association of…
How China, India and Bangladesh could be drawn into Myanmar’s conflict
The 2021 military coup in Myanmar sparked renewed civil conflict between Myanmar government forces, the Tatmadaw, and perhaps a dozen insurgent groups seeking their own ethnic…
Solutions to the North Korea issue no longer include denuclearisation
On 25 October, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol told the National Assembly that North Korea had completed preparations for its seventh nuclear test. While the exact date of…
Ashmore Reef resurfaces as a maritime headache
Is Ashmore Reef part of Australia? That should be a relatively simple question to answer. The reef is an area of approximately 583 square kilometres, and encloses three islands –…
Make or break: Scholz’ Beijing business
On Friday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will become one of the first global leaders to visit China since Xi Jinping emerged more powerful than ever from the 20th Communist Party…
Australia must help turn back a regional democratic retreat
Successive Australian governments, for many years now, have not had an explicit policy for fostering and promoting democracy. One is needed, now more than ever.
International…
Commentary
Xi's clean sweep: China marks new era with loyalist lineup
New standing committee shows party and the world Xi will brook no dissent in third term. Originally published in Nikkei Asia.
From Jakarta to Nusantara: making sense of Indonesia’s capital shift
As a nation, Indonesia has a propensity for changing its capital. Over the past three centuries, there has been quite an eventful journey from Batavia (Jakarta), Bandung, and…