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Politics

Miami - Wynwood: Wynwood Walls - Wynwood Walls - Shepard Fairey's Aung San Suu Kyi

Elections in Myanmar/Burma

The last days of the election campaign in Myanmar are torn between hope for renewal and the need to ensure a smooth transition writes Stefano Pelaggi. Read more...
June 4th March / 六四遊行

China’s political predicament

Turmoil in China. Sudden exchange rate devaluation. Shanghai stock exchange meltdown. Factory explosion in Tianjin. Massive capital flight. Is the infallible Chinese government losing its touch? Read more...
Protests in Bangkok, Thailand

Democracy and Asian development

The Chinese authoritarian juggernaut is now wobbling forward, sideways and backwards. Could in the end democracy be the best political system for fostering Asian development, asks John West? Read more...
OECD Week 2014: Forum 2014/High-Level Ministerial Council Meeting - Keynote address by Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan and Ministerial Council Meeting Chair

Japan's stunted democracy

With thousands of Japanese citizens in the streets protesting against Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, could Japan be on the verge of becoming a mature, full-fledged democracy asks John West. Read more...
Umbrella Revolution in Hong Kong 2014

Asia’s democracy deficit

Democracy has very shallow roots and many enemies in Asia -- and not only in China -- argues John West. Read more...
Manny Pacquiao walks to his corner after being hit by Erik Morales on March 19, 2005 in Las Vegas. (Photo by: AP)

The meaning of Manny Pacquiao

Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao has a great knack for bringing his country men and women together. But strong and inclusive political leadership is also necessary to create a real cohesive society. Read more...
Revamping India's public procurement

Revamping India's public procurement

A properly designed and implemented procurement law is long overdue. It can improve financial management, and bring large financial and governance benefits. Read more...
Co-operative federalism requires greater competence by states

Co-operative federalism requires greater competence by states

Co-operative federalism requires greater competence by states, according to Mukul Asher, National University of Singapore, & Councilor, Takshashila Institution. Read more...
Hong Kong can be hell

Hong Kong can be hell

Milton Friedman once famously said "If you want to see capitalism in action, go to Hong Kong". But Hong Kong's brand of capitalism has led to inequality, poverty, and social unrest. Read more...
China and India should create own anti-graft indices

China and India should create own anti-graft indices

China and India should create their own anti-graft indices, present new metrics and expose the shortcomings of Western analysis, if any, argue Asit K. Biswas and Kris Hartley. Read more...
China needs own metrics for corruption fight

China needs own metrics for corruption fight

China needs own metrics for corruption fight argue Asit K. Biswas and Kris Hartley. Read more...
Singapore in 2014: ‘Tentative moves towards Verifiable Trust’

Singapore in 2014: ‘Tentative moves towards Verifiable Trust’

The Singaporean population's persistent expectations towards ‘Verifiable trust’ in government policies acquired greater urgency, and this is set to accelerate, argue Mukul G. Asher and Chang Yee Kwan. Read more...
Asia's weak and fragile states

Asia's weak and fragile states

All too many Asian countries have weak and fragile states, which are holding back their prospects for development. Read more...
Polite Japan's dark underbelly

Polite Japan's dark underbelly

The very sharp criticisms of Japan, recently meted out by the United Nations Human Rights Committee, are a harsh reminder of how shallow is democracy in that country. Read more...
Asia’s future challenges -- a geopolitical & economic perspective

Asia’s future challenges -- a geopolitical & economic perspective

Today Asia is facing increasingly complex challenges, economic and above all political, writes Ian Buchanan Senior Executive Adviser, PwC strategy& (formerly Booz & Company), Chairman AusPECC. Read more...
Governance for Asian development

Governance for Asian development

Many Asian governments have done a superb job implementing policies to promote development. But can they take their countries to the next phase -- innovation-driven development? Read more...
Thailand's failed experiment in inclusive growth

Thailand's failed experiment in inclusive growth

Thailand's recent military coup is a consequence of its failed experiment with "inclusive growth" policies. But the coup will not solve Thailand's problems. It needs a new social contract. Read more...
Korea Fans

Korean Paradox

North Korea seems to be more well known than the economic giant of South Korea. This is the "Korea Paradox", according to Emanuele Schibotto, ACI Director for Development. Read more...
Lifting women out of poverty

The joy of Indian democracy!

The whole world is simply enthralled by India's elections currently underway. We are captivated by the joy of Indian democracy. The Chinese should be jealous! Read more...
Feeling like a thousand yen

Corruption's many colors

Corruption, the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, has many colors, and most regrettably touches all of our countries, including Japan and the United States. Read more...