East Asia Forum
@eastasiaforum.bsky.social
Economics, Politics and Public Policy in East Asia and the Pacific.
Thailand’s temporary suspension of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord reveals the need for sustained diplomatic pressure, economic engagement and humanitarian support rather than a tariff-enabled truce alone, writes Ryan Claffey.
Thailand–Cambodia border agreement on shaky ground
Thailand’s temporary suspension of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord reveals the need for sustained diplomatic pressure, economic engagement and humanitarian support rather than a tariff-enabled truce alone, writes Ryan Claffey.
eastasiaforum.org
November 19, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Thailand’s temporary suspension of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord reveals the need for sustained diplomatic pressure, economic engagement and humanitarian support rather than a tariff-enabled truce alone, writes Ryan Claffey.
Japan and Germany’s expanding defence cooperation reflects a shared effort to adapt to a more uncertain security environment, writes Werner Pascha.
Japan–Germany security cooperation deepens in a changing global order
Japan and Germany’s expanding defence cooperation reflects a shared effort to adapt to a more uncertain security environment, writes Werner Pascha.
eastasiaforum.org
November 18, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Japan and Germany’s expanding defence cooperation reflects a shared effort to adapt to a more uncertain security environment, writes Werner Pascha.
Central bank digital currency has the potential to reshape global finance, but risks eroding democracy and economic resilience if regulated incorrectly. , writes Ken Heydon.
Digital currency payoffs hinge on getting the rules right
Central bank digital currency has the potential to reshape global finance, but risks eroding democracy and economic resilience if regulated incorrectly. , writes Ken Heydon.
eastasiaforum.org
November 18, 2025 at 12:16 AM
Central bank digital currency has the potential to reshape global finance, but risks eroding democracy and economic resilience if regulated incorrectly. , writes Ken Heydon.
The international community must recognise Myanmar’s upcoming December 2025 election as authoritarian theatre, not democracy, write Hein Htet Kyaw and Sahasranshu Dash.
Myanmar’s election theatre of the democratic absurd
The international community must recognise Myanmar’s upcoming December 2025 election as authoritarian theatre, not democracy, write Hein Htet Kyaw and Sahasranshu Dash.
eastasiaforum.org
November 17, 2025 at 12:13 PM
The international community must recognise Myanmar’s upcoming December 2025 election as authoritarian theatre, not democracy, write Hein Htet Kyaw and Sahasranshu Dash.
Myanmar’s planned elections are expected to consolidate military control and exclude key opposition parties, presenting significant challenges for ASEAN and relations with the West, writes our editorial board.
No stability in Myanmar without democracy
Myanmar’s planned elections are expected to consolidate military control and exclude key opposition parties, presenting significant challenges for ASEAN and relations with the West, writes our editorial board.
eastasiaforum.org
November 16, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Myanmar’s planned elections are expected to consolidate military control and exclude key opposition parties, presenting significant challenges for ASEAN and relations with the West, writes our editorial board.
Myanmar’s promised elections are set to reinforce the military’s dominance through its proxy, the Union Solidarity and Development Party, blocking the return of democratic competition, writes Shwe Yi Myint Myat.
Myanmar’s planned elections are a sham
Myanmar’s promised elections are set to reinforce the military’s dominance through its proxy, the Union Solidarity and Development Party, blocking the return of democratic competition, writes Shwe Yi Myint Myat.
eastasiaforum.org
November 16, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Myanmar’s promised elections are set to reinforce the military’s dominance through its proxy, the Union Solidarity and Development Party, blocking the return of democratic competition, writes Shwe Yi Myint Myat.
Geopolitical shifts are consolidating Myanmar’s military rule, even as anti-junta forces maintain control over parts of the country’s borderlands, writes Adam Simpson.
Myanmar faces permanent Balkanisation as the world tilts towards authoritarianism
Geopolitical shifts are consolidating Myanmar’s military rule, even as anti-junta forces maintain control over parts of the country’s borderlands, writes Adam Simpson.
eastasiaforum.org
November 16, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Geopolitical shifts are consolidating Myanmar’s military rule, even as anti-junta forces maintain control over parts of the country’s borderlands, writes Adam Simpson.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation offers China and India a rare space to manage rivalry through cooperation, balancing tensions through mutual geopolitical constraints, writes Ivan Lidarev.
The SCO still plays a key role in China–India relations
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation offers China and India a rare space to manage rivalry through cooperation, balancing tensions through mutual geopolitical constraints, writes Ivan Lidarev.
eastasiaforum.org
November 15, 2025 at 12:01 PM
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation offers China and India a rare space to manage rivalry through cooperation, balancing tensions through mutual geopolitical constraints, writes Ivan Lidarev.
Night work reforms offer limited gains as Sri Lankan women continue to face legal and structural barriers, writes Achalie Kumarage.
Women still in the dark despite Sri Lanka’s night work law reforms
Night work reforms offer limited gains as Sri Lankan women continue to face legal and structural barriers, writes Achalie Kumarage.
eastasiaforum.org
November 14, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Night work reforms offer limited gains as Sri Lankan women continue to face legal and structural barriers, writes Achalie Kumarage.
Indonesia’s flagship free meal program is faltering under militarised management and poor oversight, exposing flaws in President Prabowo Subianto’s patronage-driven governance, write Geo Dzakwan Arshali, Ibnurafi Andapura and Zahra Shaffa Kamila.
Indonesia’s free meal program cracks under poor leadership
Indonesia’s flagship free meal program is faltering under militarised management and poor oversight, exposing flaws in President Prabowo Subianto’s patronage-driven governance, write Geo Dzakwan Arshali, Ibnurafi Andapura and Zahra Shaffa Kamila.
eastasiaforum.org
November 14, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Indonesia’s flagship free meal program is faltering under militarised management and poor oversight, exposing flaws in President Prabowo Subianto’s patronage-driven governance, write Geo Dzakwan Arshali, Ibnurafi Andapura and Zahra Shaffa Kamila.
China’s economic integration is irreversible — whether it fuels prosperity or disruption depends on countries' capacity to adapt, write Hoe Ee Khor and Kim Song Tan.
A tale of two responses to China’s economic transformation
China’s economic integration is irreversible — whether it fuels prosperity or disruption depends on countries' capacity to adapt, write Hoe Ee Khor and Kim Song Tan.
eastasiaforum.org
November 13, 2025 at 11:52 PM
China’s economic integration is irreversible — whether it fuels prosperity or disruption depends on countries' capacity to adapt, write Hoe Ee Khor and Kim Song Tan.
Timor-Leste’s student-led protest movement reflects a rising frustration with elite privilege and a growing insistence on transparency and accountability in public life. , writes Damien Kingsbury.
Protests pull the brakes on Timor-Leste’s political pampering
Timor-Leste’s student-led protest movement reflects a rising frustration with elite privilege and a growing insistence on transparency and accountability in public life. , writes Damien Kingsbury.
eastasiaforum.org
November 13, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Timor-Leste’s student-led protest movement reflects a rising frustration with elite privilege and a growing insistence on transparency and accountability in public life. , writes Damien Kingsbury.
The Japanese government’s high school tuition support scheme fails to generate equal access to education for young people, writes Ryo Konishi.
Japan’s equal educational opportunity faces funding dilemma
The Japanese government’s high school tuition support scheme fails to generate equal access to education for young people, writes Ryo Konishi.
eastasiaforum.org
November 12, 2025 at 11:47 PM
The Japanese government’s high school tuition support scheme fails to generate equal access to education for young people, writes Ryo Konishi.
Regional coordination on STI, skills and infrastructure can power inclusive service-led growth, write Reni Windari and Lyhong So.
Southeast Asia’s path to service-led industrialisation
Regional coordination on STI, skills and infrastructure can power inclusive service-led growth, write Reni Windari and Lyhong So.
eastasiaforum.org
November 12, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Regional coordination on STI, skills and infrastructure can power inclusive service-led growth, write Reni Windari and Lyhong So.
Sanae Takaichi has made a promising diplomatic debut as Japan’s prime minister, but Japan's path forward remains fraught amid global uncertainty, writes Kazuhiko Togo.
Japan’s new prime minister tests the waters abroad
Sanae Takaichi has made a promising diplomatic debut as Japan’s prime minister, but Japan's path forward remains fraught amid global uncertainty, writes Kazuhiko Togo.
eastasiaforum.org
November 11, 2025 at 11:39 PM
Sanae Takaichi has made a promising diplomatic debut as Japan’s prime minister, but Japan's path forward remains fraught amid global uncertainty, writes Kazuhiko Togo.
China’s new emissions goal is a significant achievement, but its broader climate targets remain cautious and incremental, writes Jorrit Gosens.
China’s new climate targets show progress but lack ambition
China’s new emissions goal is a significant achievement, but its broader climate targets remain cautious and incremental, writes Jorrit Gosens.
eastasiaforum.org
November 11, 2025 at 11:36 AM
China’s new emissions goal is a significant achievement, but its broader climate targets remain cautious and incremental, writes Jorrit Gosens.
Laos’s restructuring ahead of the 2026 leadership transition reflects a gradual shift towards greater technocratic and institutional reform, writes Toshiro Nishizawa.
Laos’s reforms set the stage for leadership transition
Laos’s restructuring ahead of the 2026 leadership transition reflects a gradual shift towards greater technocratic and institutional reform, writes Toshiro Nishizawa.
eastasiaforum.org
November 11, 2025 at 1:04 AM
Laos’s restructuring ahead of the 2026 leadership transition reflects a gradual shift towards greater technocratic and institutional reform, writes Toshiro Nishizawa.
Regional tensions and domestic challenges threaten the sustainability of diplomatic gains from new agreements between Pakistan and the United States, writes Dalbir Ahlawat.
Renewed US–Pakistan relations stand on shaky ground
Regional tensions and domestic challenges threaten the sustainability of diplomatic gains from new agreements between Pakistan and the United States, writes Dalbir Ahlawat.
eastasiaforum.org
November 10, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Regional tensions and domestic challenges threaten the sustainability of diplomatic gains from new agreements between Pakistan and the United States, writes Dalbir Ahlawat.
The Trump-Xi meeting only partially resolved the key issues in the world's most consequential political relationship, but it sent a signal that cooperation, not conflict, is the best path to manage relations, writes our editorial board.
The United States and China take a step back and send a signal of hope
The Trump-Xi meeting only partially resolved the key issues in the world's most consequential political relationship, but it sent a signal that cooperation, not conflict, is the best path to manage relations, writes our editorial board.
eastasiaforum.org
November 9, 2025 at 9:58 PM
The Trump-Xi meeting only partially resolved the key issues in the world's most consequential political relationship, but it sent a signal that cooperation, not conflict, is the best path to manage relations, writes our editorial board.
Trump’s meetings in Asia defied expectations, reopening dialogue and stabilising relations with China, writes Susan Thornton.
Trump’s Asia trip a surprising success
Trump’s meetings in Asia defied expectations, reopening dialogue and stabilising relations with China, writes Susan Thornton.
eastasiaforum.org
November 9, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Trump’s meetings in Asia defied expectations, reopening dialogue and stabilising relations with China, writes Susan Thornton.
Japan is staking its claim in Africa’s venture capital market, as it pivots from traditional aid to context-sensitive venture capital investment with long-term capacity building, writes Samir Bhattacharya.
Japan’s strategic game in African venture capital
Japan is staking its claim in Africa’s venture capital market, as it pivots from traditional aid to context-sensitive venture capital investment with long-term capacity building, writes Samir Bhattacharya.
eastasiaforum.org
November 8, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Japan is staking its claim in Africa’s venture capital market, as it pivots from traditional aid to context-sensitive venture capital investment with long-term capacity building, writes Samir Bhattacharya.
Coordinated digital solutions are essential to unlock the full potential of ASEAN’s small and medium-sized firms and secure the region’s future competitiveness. , writes Gordon Clarke.
ASEAN must close its widening trade finance gap
Coordinated digital solutions are essential to unlock the full potential of ASEAN’s small and medium-sized firms and secure the region’s future competitiveness. , writes Gordon Clarke.
eastasiaforum.org
November 7, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Coordinated digital solutions are essential to unlock the full potential of ASEAN’s small and medium-sized firms and secure the region’s future competitiveness. , writes Gordon Clarke.
The European Union and Asia Pacific economic groupings should join forces to safeguard multilateralism and free trade, writes Jayant Menon.
Free trade mega bloc key to success in post-US economic order
The European Union and Asia Pacific economic groupings should join forces to safeguard multilateralism and free trade, writes Jayant Menon.
eastasiaforum.org
November 7, 2025 at 11:16 AM
The European Union and Asia Pacific economic groupings should join forces to safeguard multilateralism and free trade, writes Jayant Menon.
The Quad’s critical minerals initiative highlights the need for joint recycling strategies to strengthen supply chain resilience, writes Trishala Sancheti.
The Quad digs deep for critical mineral supply chain resilience
The Quad’s critical minerals initiative highlights the need for joint recycling strategies to strengthen supply chain resilience, writes Trishala Sancheti.
eastasiaforum.org
November 6, 2025 at 11:12 PM
The Quad’s critical minerals initiative highlights the need for joint recycling strategies to strengthen supply chain resilience, writes Trishala Sancheti.
Takaichi’s leadership promises continuity with Abe’s Indo-Pacific strategy, strengthening defence and economic cooperation with India amid growing regional competition. , write Shashank Khandwe and Simran Walia.
Takaichi’s Japan looks to India
Takaichi’s leadership promises continuity with Abe’s Indo-Pacific strategy, strengthening defence and economic cooperation with India amid growing regional competition. , write Shashank Khandwe and Simran Walia.
eastasiaforum.org
November 6, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Takaichi’s leadership promises continuity with Abe’s Indo-Pacific strategy, strengthening defence and economic cooperation with India amid growing regional competition. , write Shashank Khandwe and Simran Walia.