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Asia Unbound

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

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Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong delivers the Singapore Energy Lecture during the fifteenth Singapore International Energy Week on October 25, 2022.
Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong delivers the Singapore Energy Lecture during the fifteenth Singapore International Energy Week on October 25, 2022. Isabel Kua/Reuters

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. Read More

Indonesia
Prabowo Wins. Does Indonesian Democracy Lose?
Prabowo Subianto has won Indonesia’s presidential election. What will his presidency bring? 
Pakistan
Imran Khan Denied (But Perhaps Not Forever): Pakistan’s Other Parties Form a Weak Coalition Government
Pakistan faces uncertainty as a fragile coalition, led by Shehbaz Sharif and reluctantly backed by the PPP, attempts to maintain control of parliament and stifle Imran Khan's PTI following recent elections.
Pakistan
Pakistan’s Election Results: Imran Khan Claims Victory, But He’s Unlikely to Get it
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party has performed well in Pakistan’s election despite the electoral deck being stacked against it.
  • Pakistan
    Pakistan’s Election: Not Free or Fair Beforehand, Chaotic On Election Day
    Election day in Pakistan was marred by internet blackouts and suspended mobile phone service.
  • Malaysia
    One Year Plus in Power, Anwar Struggles Mightily to Enact Real Reform in Malaysia
    After over a year in office, Prime Minister Anwar has struggled to follow through on his campaign promises to curtail corruption and strengthen the Malaysian economy.
  • Pakistan
    With Imran Khan Jailed, Pakistan’s Election May Be Torpid, But the Aftermath Might Not Be
    Although the lead-up to Pakistan’s election has been relatively muted, public discontent remains high.
  • China
    China and India Compete for Leadership of the Global South
    China and India compete for leadership of the Global South, but it remains unclear whether either is winning. 
  • North Korea
    Satellites, Summits, and Succession in North Korea
    In 2023, North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un marked three significant achievements: a successful satellite launch, strengthened ties with Russia, and the public emergence of his daughter as his likely successor.
  • Pakistan
    Pakistan’s Opposition Leader Imran Khan is Jailed As Election Looms
    The suppression of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his party has enabled the Pakistani military to reassert control over the country’s politics.
  • Philippines
    Marcos Jr. Moves the Philippines Dramatically Closer to the United States
    Unlike other Southeast Asian leaders, President Marcos Jr. has chosen to explicitly align the Philippines with the United States and confront China more directly.