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The Diplomat is a current-affairs magazine for the Asia-Pacific, with news and analysis on politics, security, business, technology and life across the region.
Updated: 2 days 6 hours ago

Bangladesh’s Election Is Over. Its Future Has Yet to Be Written.

Tue, 17/02/2026 - 17:12
The incoming parliament will remake Bangladesh’s governance system – for better or worse. 

The Politics of Interpretation: Who Governs the Korean DMZ?

Tue, 17/02/2026 - 15:17
The legal disagreement over who controls DMZ access – South Korea’s government or the U.N. Command – has evolved into a full-fledged institutional and political confrontation.

America Needs to Get Creative on Hong Kong

Tue, 17/02/2026 - 14:49
American leaders are rightly condemning Jimmy Lai’s sentence. But when it comes to concrete policy responses, Washington’s cupboard is increasingly bare.

Taiwan’s Protracted Fight Over the Defense Budget

Tue, 17/02/2026 - 14:28
Defense spending in Taiwan continues to be politically contentious, particularly as the U.S. seeks to pressure the opposition KMT over the issue.

In Uzbekistan, ‘Farmers Have No Freedom’

Tue, 17/02/2026 - 14:13
A new report exposes abuse and exploitation of cotton and wheat farmers in Uzbekistan.

India’s Apex Court Declares Menstrual Health and Hygiene a Fundamental Right

Tue, 17/02/2026 - 10:55
The ruling mainstreams menstrual health. But India needs to normalize sex education too. Otherwise, menstruation will be treated as a “dirty issue” shrouded in silence.

Thailand’s Monarchy Is Caught in a ‘Visibility Trap’

Tue, 17/02/2026 - 04:44
The social media age has stripped the House of Chakri of its once-formidable royal aura. The only route to preservation is reform.

Vietnam Gives Greenlight to Starlink Satellite Internet Service

Tue, 17/02/2026 - 02:34
The approval will allow Starlink's local subsidiary to provide satellite internet access to up to 600,000 user terminals.

From Rivalry to Indifference: India’s New Pakistan Strategy

Wed, 11/02/2026 - 19:23
Now that China has emerged as New Delhi’s primary security concern, Pakistan is no longer the organizing principle of Indian foreign policy.

War in Myanmar’s Andaman Islands

Wed, 11/02/2026 - 16:14
In Myanmar’s vast southern archipelago, the civil war intersects with a much longer struggle for survival.

How US Allies Approach Taiwan – and Influence US Taiwan Policy

Wed, 11/02/2026 - 16:10
Insights from Adam P. Liff.

Kazakhstan Rushes Forward With Constitutional Referendum, Date Set for March 15

Wed, 11/02/2026 - 15:47
Less than six months ago, Tokayev said haste in changing the constitution was “completely inappropriate.” 

What the 2026 Singapore Airshow Tells Us About Asia’s Defense Industry Landscape

Wed, 11/02/2026 - 15:26
From UAVs to counter-UAVs and beyond, the state of modern warfare – and today’s geopolitics – were on display.

Takaichi Emerged Victorious. Now What?

Wed, 11/02/2026 - 15:15
Takaichi just won a historic mandate. But that means the Japanese people are expecting results – and fast.

How Taliban 2.0’s Subnational Governance Is Managing Resistance in Northeastern Afghanistan

Wed, 11/02/2026 - 14:49
600 men from Panjshir have been incorporated into the Taliban’s defense and interior ministries, with another 1,500 to be recruited to protect Taliban interests in the province.

As China Ages, a Pension Crisis Looms

Wed, 11/02/2026 - 14:02
China’s pension dilemma involves not only a shrinking workforce but also persistent inequality between urban residents and rural migrants.

To Attract Global Investment in Minerals, Pakistan Intensifies Counterterror Efforts in Balochistan

Wed, 11/02/2026 - 09:47
Islamabad is raising a dedicated Frontier Corps to protect mineral-rich areas from militant attacks and secure Balochistan’s borders with Iran and Afghanistan.

Crackdown, Chaos, or Cover-Up in Cambodia?

Wed, 11/02/2026 - 04:21
As thousands of scam workers spill onto the country’s streets, a deeper struggle is underway over evidence, accountability, and elite impunity.

Beyond the Peninsula: What OPCON Transfer Means for the Indo-Pacific

Tue, 10/02/2026 - 18:58
Wartime OPCON transition would have implications for a more regionally-oriented U.S. force posture and South Korea’s broadening responsibilities.

Citing ‘Unity,’ Kyrgyz President Japarov Dismisses Key Ally, Security Chief Tashiev

Tue, 10/02/2026 - 18:31
The surprise dismissal comes while Tashiev is reportedly out of the country.

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