Showing 71 - 80 of 1,201
Japan's dilemmas need bold answers
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 03/11/2023
» Among the big countries vying for power and influence in the fluid and contentious geostrategic arena, Japan faces the most daunting challenges. Most of the recognised major powers in Asia, from China and India to Indonesia and South Korea, are rising and aspiring for bigger roles and grander objectives, while Japan's place in the global pecking order has been in decline. The last time Japan had to confront such an existential threat to its place in the world may have been in the 1860s when the Western powers shook up and threatened to take over the isolated and inward-looking martial society.
Deadlock over Gaza war as crisis widens
Oped, Published on 03/11/2023
» War clouds are swirling in the Middle East as the region steps closer to the precipice. The Second Stage of Israel's military offensive against Hamas has now begun with all-out fighting in the Gaza Strip between the terrorists and the State of Israel. But beyond tiny Gaza it appears that regional destabilisation now seems a certainty.
Finally, Japan shows diplomatic finesse
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 31/10/2023
» One quick slash by a katana is all that it takes. That was what Japan did by staying out the recent statement of the Group of Seven (G7) on the Israel-Hamas war, which has already resulted in huge cost to human life. Japan has a soft spot when it comes to civilian casualties and the advent of war. The devastating effects of the atomic bombs are still fresh in the collective memories of the Japanese public.
The seeds of soft power
Oped, Editorial, Published on 27/10/2023
» 'Soft power" is becoming a new catchphrase in Thai society. Once seen as political jargon describing a nation's diplomatic prowess at winning friends and influencing others rather than relying on coercion, this new sound bite is being used to describe cultural and creative commodities such as movies, literature, art, traditional Thai sports and food, to name just a few.
Political tsunami sweeps Southern Hemisphere
Oped, Published on 26/10/2023
» 'It's the last bus stop in the world," a former New Zealand prime minister once told me while he was visiting New York. Indeed a remote South Pacific island nation of merely 5 million, known for the Kiwi, its All Blacks Rugby team, and some pretty good wines, was sadly hobbled by a woke progressive government who turned the once idyllic place into a land beset by inflation, unaffordable housing and rampant crime and gangs.
G7's campaign against China could backfire
News, Published on 23/10/2023
» On Oct 28–29, Japan will host the G7 Trade Ministers' Meeting in Osaka. The primary focus of the gathering will be improving supply-chain resilience and strengthening export controls on critical minerals and technologies. But China's "economic coercion", particularly the widespread disruption caused by its non-transparent and market-distorting industrial policies, is also expected to be high on the agenda.
How AI will remake the rules
News, Tyler Cowen, Published on 13/10/2023
» When it comes to international trade and investment, AI will create some obvious winners and losers. It's the second-order effects that may prove more interesting.
First look at new Thai diplomatic tactics
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 10/10/2023
» In deciphering the 1,288-word Thai foreign policy statement announced last week, it is important to start at the very end. The last paragraph of "Thailand's Challenges: How to Thrive in Rising Geopolitical Uncertainty", put forward by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, was particularly revealing. He said succinctly that Thai diplomatic platforms must complement the government's domestic policies to improve people's standard of living and create job opportunities in order to get the country back in the global economic and political arena with dignity. In addition, it must enable the Thai business sector to grow and prosper domestically and internationally to increase confidence in Thailand.
Acmecs: The power of working together
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 03/10/2023
» Amid great geopolitical realignment and unpredictability, existing and new mini-lateral groups throughout the world have been revitalised or created. Their common objective is a simple one -- finding their own niche to augment their bargaining power for national and regional preservation. Mainland Southeast Asia is no exception. To survive in a multipolar world, every nation, big or small, must be on full alert 24/7.
Thailand can be Asia's food powerhouse
Oped, Published on 29/09/2023
» It comes as no surprise that the challenges and hardships faced by Thai farmers were among the key themes during the recent 50-minute policy statements delivered by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Srettha Thavisin to the parliament. These challenges have plagued Thailand for generations, and it is high time we seek innovative solutions to address them.