Blogs

Asia Unbound

CFR fellows and other experts assess the latest issues emerging in Asia today.

Latest Post

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike set to win re-election in Tokyo governor election
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike set to win re-election in Tokyo governor election Kyodo via REUTERS

Tokyo Voters Make Their Choice

As the world watched critical national elections in the UK and France last week, Tokyoites prepared to vote for their governor. Read More

Japan
Japan’s Debate Over LGBTQ+ Rights: The Courts
Japan’s debate over LGBTQ+ rights has come to the fore in the past several years, and both the courts and the Diet have been venues for social change.
Indo-Pacific
Studying Landpower in the Indo-Pacific
The China Landpower Studies Center at the U.S. Army War College produces research and analysis of China's strategic landpower for U.S. policymakers and military leaders. 
Indonesia
What to Expect From Indonesia Under President-elect Prabowo Subianto
Despite expectations that incoming President Prabowo Subianto will continue the policies of his popular predecessor, he will chart his own course on foreign and domestic policy.
  • Myanmar
    Myanmar's Junta Is Increasingly Isolated
    The junta’s grip on power is continuing to deteriorate.
  • North Korea
    The Significance of the Putin-Kim Summit
    Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2024 visit to North Korea, his first since 2000, signifies the ongoing strengthening of bilateral ties. Whether this is a short-term expedience or the start of a true security alliance remains to be seen.
  • Thailand
    King Maha Vajiralongkorn's Controlling Style Belies a Weak Monarch
    King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand has reverted from the quieter, behind-closed-doors style of his much-loved father and directly involved himself in Thai domestic politics and the economy. 
  • Malaysia
    Anwar Struggles With Foreign Policy—and at Home
    Despite his reformist credentials, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has struggled to enact the policy transformation he promised.
  • India
    Modi’s Historic, Sobering Elections and His Economic Challenge
    The third term win for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was an unsurprising result, but the loss of Parliament seats means his party will need to work with a fragile coalition government to enact polices effectively.
  • Thailand
    Thailand’s Draconian 112 Lèse-majesté Law: Any Hope for Change?
    A repressive law limiting criticism of the Thai monarchy has placed the current king beyond reproach, but popular discontent with the legislation and the monarchy is growing. 
  • Thailand
    Has the King of Thailand Split With Thaksin?
    The king of Thailand had seemingly allied with Thailand’s most powerful civilian politician, Thaksin Shinawatra. Now, the alliance may be collapsing—again showing the vast, hidden power of the Thai monarchy.