INASIA
Weekly Insights and Analysis
Girls Can Do Anything
Michelle Obama came to December’s Grassroots Leaders Roundtable in Vietnam to deliver an urgent message: some of the world’s best minds are going undeveloped because of our failure to educate girls.
Afghanistan’s Borderlands: Unruly, Unruled, and Central to Peace
For invading powers and national rulers alike, Afghanistan has never been unconquerable so much as ungovernable, a universe of “village-republics” indifferent to events in the capital. The nation’s borderlands still exemplify this governance challenge, where cross-border ties are stronger than the influence of Kabul. Yet, these borderlands are essential to the security and economy of the country.
China: Tackling Domestic Violence and Its Effects in the Workplace
Chinese statistics show that a quarter of that country’s married women have suffered domestic violence from their husbands. Though it’s critical that these women remain employed if they are to escape these abusive relationships, survivors often struggle with work. But China is making encouraging progress with measures to keep women active and safe in the workplace.
2020 in Asia: A 20/20 Look
Happy New Year, and welcome to the first edition of InAsia for 2020. To herald the new decade, our country representatives this week survey the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for a dynamic and rapidly changing Asia. Here, to kick off the new year, are perspectives from The Asia Foundation’s 18 country offices.
Editor’s Picks—The Best of InAsia 2019
Season’s greetings from InAsia, where the blog is about to enjoy a short winter break before the new year bursts upon us. Here are a few of the most engaging essays from the pages of InAsia in 2019, as chosen by your humble editor. Enjoy!
Nepal’s Transition to Federalism: A Behavioral Approach
In Nepal, the transition to federalism that began with elections in 2017 has been frustratingly incomplete. While fingers reflexively point to lack of resources or political will, the authors suggest that deep-seated mechanisms of human behavior may be thwarting the popular desire for change.
Alternative Dispute Resolution Gains Traction in Pakistan
Pakistan’s courts are overloaded. Civil litigation can often span decades, sometimes outliving the litigants. But with new legislation and support from The Asia Foundation, alternative dispute resolution is quickly becoming an accepted alternative that can speed the delivery of justice.
Afghanistan in 2019: Hoping for Peace
Eighteen years after international forces arrived in Afghanistan pursuing the architects of 9/11, The Asia Foundation’s latest poll of Afghan public opinion shows that U.S.-Taliban talks have awakened a new optimism that peace is finally possible.
Braving the Waves: Gray-Market Trade and Maritime Security in the Sulu Sea
In the Sulu Archipelago, off the Philippine island of Mindanao, a demimonde of illicit traders in radar-evading wooden boats smuggle needed goods from Malaysia, while government agents offer protection in exchange for a cut of the profits.