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Asia Unbound

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

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Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara meets with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the State Department in Washington, D.C., on February 12, 2024. 
Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara meets with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the State Department in Washington, D.C., on February 12, 2024.  Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
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Thailand’s Politics Suffer More Turbulence

by Joshua Kurlantzick May 16, 2024

The current Thai government, which assumed power in 2023, has proven ineffective in tackling the nation’s challenges, while its politics have become increasingly fractious. Read More

Myanmar
Will 2024 Be the Junta’s End in Myanmar?
Myanmar’s civil war between resistance groups and the ruling military junta has reached a decisive phase.
Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick May 15, 2024 Asia Unbound
Taiwan
Taiwan’s Democracy Is Thriving in China’s Shadow
Despite China’s growing pressure, Taiwan has developed one of the world’s strongest democracies—one that will be increasingly tested in the coming years. 
Blog Post by David Sacks May 13, 2024 Asia Unbound
Asia
Early Signs From President-Elect Prabowo Subianto Are Worrying
As President-Elect, Prabowo Subianto, widely accused of past rights abuses, is already showing signs that he may further damage Indonesia's fragile democracy.
Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick May 13, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • China
    Second Trump Term Could Be Disastrous for Southeast Asia
    A second Trump term could intensify the rivalry between the U.S. and China in Southeast Asia so that regional countries can no longer delicately dance between the giants.
    Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick May 8, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • Vietnam
    As Vuong Dinh Hue Resigns, Vietnamese Politics Get Even Messier
    Resignations in Vietnam’s top political leadership have exposed widespread societal corruption and prompted a succession crisis for the party. 
    Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick May 1, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • Singapore
    Singapore’s New Prime Minister Lawrence Wong Faces Challenges From Day One
    After two decades in office, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will pass the baton to the ruling party’s chosen successor, who faces a complex geopolitical environment and growing challenges to the party’s leadership at home.
    Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick April 25, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • China
    Numbers of Visitors to China Rises From Pandemic-Era Lows
    International arrivals to China seem to be picking back up as Beijing seeks to use tourism to boost its stagnating domestic economy.
    Blog Post by Carl Minzner April 25, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • China
    China’s Battle Against Air Pollution: An Update
    Although China seems to have continued improving air quality during the Covid era, it is premature to celebrate the end of its war against pollution.
    Blog Post by Yanzhong Huang April 24, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • Myanmar
    The Bottom Is Falling Out for Myanmar’s Junta
    The Myanmar army is experiencing a rapid rise in defections and military losses, posing questions about the continued viability of the junta’s grip on power.
    Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick April 22, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • Japan
    Prime Minister Kishida’s Tour de Force
    The highlights from Kishida Fumio's busy week in Washington.
    Blog Post by Sheila A. Smith April 15, 2024 Asia Unbound