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Asia Unbound

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

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Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra pays his respects to a portrait of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand, on August 22, 2023.
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra pays his respects to a portrait of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand, on August 22, 2023. Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters
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Has the King of Thailand Split With Thaksin?

by Joshua Kurlantzick and Pavin Chachavalpongpun May 31, 2024

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.    Read More

North Korea
The North Korean and Chinese Threats Are Growing. But so Is the Trilateral Response.
With renewed support from Russia and China, there are fears that a North Korean crisis is coming. In light of this, the trilateral security relationship among the United States, Japan, and South Korea has reached a new level of cooperation.
Blog Post by Sue Mi Terry May 28, 2024 Asia Unbound
Election 2024
A Second Trump Term: How Will Each Southeast Asian State Respond? Part 2
A potential second Trump administration would force Southeast Asian countries to make difficult choices between the United States and China.
Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick May 23, 2024 Asia Unbound
China
Advanced Manufacturing to be a Focus of China’s July Party Plenum
China's third plenum will likely emphasize manufacturing as a tool to remedy domestic economic problems, which may run the risk of heightening tensions with its trading partners.
Blog Post by Carl Minzner May 22, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • Election 2024
    A Second Trump Term: How Will Each Southeast Asian State Respond? Part 1
    A potential second Trump administration would upend Southeast Asia’s preferred strategy of hedging between the United States and China.
    Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick May 22, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • Taiwan
    Analyzing Lai Ching-te’s Inaugural Address: More Continuity Than Difference
    In his inaugural address, Taiwan’s new president Lai Ching-te signaled broad continuity on cross-strait issues. China, however, is likely to respond with increased pressure. 
    Blog Post by Rush Doshi and David Sacks May 21, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • Thailand
    Thailand’s Government Promised Change. It’s Delivering Chaos
    The government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has done little to address Thailand’s pressing issues, and now, after a Cabinet reshuffle and high-profile resignations, it seems to be in chaos.
    Article by Joshua Kurlantzick May 16, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • Thailand
    Thailand’s Politics Suffer More Turbulence
    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.
    Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick May 16, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • 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