Governance reform essential to reducing palm oil deforestation
Addressing palm oil deforestation requires confronting underlying drivers, such as weak governance, patronage ties and lax environmental certification standards. ...
Japan takes action on overtourism
Japan’s new initiatives to address overtourism demonstrate an openness to innovative and sustainable ideas, but balancing the economic benefits of…
Stagnant and faltering self-determination efforts in the Pacific
Self-determination drama is at high tide in the Pacific as the journey for sovereignty plots new geopolitical waves. ...
Malaysian Unity Government’s power was retained but constrained in 2023
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has withstood Malaysia’s unofficial ‘referendum’ on his party, but must continue to unite factions and…
Democracy remains a waiting game under Cambodia’s Hun Manet
Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen’s resignation and his subsequent appointment of his eldest son Hun Manet as Cambodia’s new leader…
Indonesia’s increasingly opposition-less democracy
As repression rises and critical debate wanes, Jokowi's decision to prioritise dynasty over party loyalty sets the stage for an…
North Korean embassy closures point to struggle and starvation
Though a string of embassy closures points to financial hardships and food shortages in North Korea, Kim Jong-un will continue…
Creatives as frontliners in the Philippines’ fight against disinformation
Authors: Juan Felix, Active Vista Center Inc., Ferdinand Sanchez II and Nicole Curato, University of Canberra The Philippines is often…
Chinese big tech still sits in the Party’s sights
Author: Yvette To, City University of Hong Kong As China lifts COVID-19 restrictions and returns to normalcy, prospects for private…
Administrative hurdles for Nepal’s Integrated Social Registry
Author: Subas P Dhakal, University of New England Governments worldwide have used Social Protection Programmes (SPPs) to strategically assist marginalised…