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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

China
Beijing’s Ideological Pivot Back To the Past
As China turns the page from its reform era, the Chinese Communist Party's official discourse increasingly references the country's imperial past. 
Blog Post by Carl Minzner February 23, 2024 Asia Unbound
Asia
Tipped Power Balance: China’s Peak and the U.S. Resilience
China's decline in economy and influence might indicate its unlikeliness to displace the United States as a leading global power in the foreseeable future. This development calls for a reevaluation of the U.S. policy towards China.
Blog Post by Yanzhong Huang February 22, 2024 Asia Unbound
Indonesia
Prabowo Wins. Does Indonesian Democracy Lose?
Prabowo Subianto has won Indonesia’s presidential election. What will his presidency bring? 
Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick February 14, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • 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.
    Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick February 13, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • 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.
    Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick February 9, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • 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.
    Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick February 8, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • 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.
    Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick February 7, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • 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.
    Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick February 5, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • 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. 
    Blog Post by Manjari Chatterjee Miller February 1, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • 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.
    Blog Post by Scott A. Snyder January 31, 2024 Asia Unbound