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Asia Unbound

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

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Top Row: Hayashi Yoshimasa, Motegi Toshimitsu, Koizumi Shinjiro Bottom Row: Takaichi Sanae, Kato Katsunobu, Kamikawa Yoko
Top Row: Hayashi Yoshimasa, Motegi Toshimitsu, Koizumi Shinjiro Bottom Row: Takaichi Sanae, Kato Katsunobu, Kamikawa Yoko Reuters
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The LDP Leadership Race: Six More Join, a Field of Nine

by Sheila A. Smith September 12, 2024

September has brought six more candidates to the race, creating the largest field of candidates in the party’s history. Read More

Election 2024
The Trump-Harris Debate Ignored Asia/China, and That’s Bad News
The U.S. presidential election neglected to discuss Asia, one of the most pivotal regions to U.S. foreign policy.
Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick September 11, 2024 Asia Unbound
Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste: Twenty-Five Years After Independence
Timor-Leste has emerged as a democratic bright spot in a region struggling with democratic regression.
Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick September 11, 2024 Asia Unbound
China
A Closed Door for Orphans? Unpacking China’s International Adoption Policy
While China’s decision to halt international adoptions seems to address some legitimate concerns, it overlooks the unique benefits these adoptions provided, particularly for children with special needs. 
Blog Post by Yanzhong Huang September 6, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • Taiwan
    Can the Taiwan People’s Party Survive?
    Mounting scandals surrounding the Taiwan People's Party raise questions about its long term viability.
    Blog Post by David Sacks September 5, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • South China Sea
    Rising Tensions in the South China Sea Lead the Philippines to Side With the United States
    In contrast to other Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines has expressly aligned itself with the United States amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.
    Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick September 5, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • Japan
    The LDP Leadership Race: The Early Birds
    When Prime Minister Kishida Fumio announced on August 14 that he would not seek re-election, the door opened for a number of LDP legislators with ambitions to lead Japan.
    Blog Post by Sheila A. Smith September 3, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • Election 2024
    How Harris and Walz Might Handle Asia Policy
    Former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris would take vastly different approaches to Asia policy if they won the White House.
    Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick August 29, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • Asia
    Japan in Focus
    I am fortunate to participate in projects on Japan or Asia hosted by other experts. Each month, I will share these with you in Japan in Focus. This month, we have two highlights to share.
    Blog Post by Sheila A. Smith August 27, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • Thailand
    Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand's New Prime Minister, Demonstrates the Excessive Power of the King and Royalist Elites
    Thailand’s new prime minister is a member of the Shinawatra political dynasty.
    Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick and Pavin Chachavalongpun August 26, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • South Korea
    A Diplomatic Early Warning: Resolving the Recurring Historical Grievance Litigation Between South Korea and Japan
    South Korea and Japan’s leaders must develop creative policies to resolve recurring historical grievance litigation.
    Blog Post by Cornelius Cornelssen August 26, 2024 Asia Unbound