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Asia Unbound

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

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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim delivers his speech during a solidarity gathering to show support for Palestinians amid escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 24, 2023.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim delivers his speech during a solidarity gathering to show support for Palestinians amid escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 24, 2023. Hasnoor Hussain/Reuters
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Anwar Struggles With Foreign Policy—and at Home

by Joshua Kurlantzick June 10, 2024

Despite his reformist credentials, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has struggled to enact the policy transformation he promised. Read More

India
Modi’s Historic, Sobering Elections and His Economic Challenge
The third term win for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was an unsurprising result, but the loss of Parliament seats means his party will need to work with a fragile coalition government to enact polices effectively.
Blog Post by Manjari Chatterjee Miller June 5, 2024 Asia Unbound
Thailand
Thailand’s Draconian 112 Lèse-majesté Law: Any Hope for Change?
A repressive law limiting criticism of the Thai monarchy has placed the current king beyond reproach, but popular discontent with the legislation and the monarchy is growing. 
Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick June 3, 2024 Asia Unbound
Thailand
Has the King of Thailand Split With Thaksin?
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.   
Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick and Pavin Chachavalpongpun May 31, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • 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