Topic
Society

What Should Australia Do in This Strongman Soft Power Age?
By Grant Wyeth
We have entered an era where strongmen leaders exercising brute force provides an irresistible emotional thrill. It’s a spectacle that no furry animal or sporting endeavor could match.

In Bangladesh, Islamists Are Stepping up Actions Against Women
By Subir Bhaumik
A series of troubling incidents have seen Islamic groups threaten violence to force the cancellation of women's football matches and store openings featuring Bangladeshi actresses.

Americans, Robots, and More: Chinese Government Messaging in the 2025 Spring Festival Gala
By Evan Freidin
In watching the Gala, we can see what political messaging is currently being promoted in China, and what is not.

Boat Carrying More Than 70 Rohingya Lands in Indonesia’s Aceh Region
By Sebastian Strangio
Last year saw a record number of Rohingya refugees set off by sea from the camps in southeastern Bangladesh.

Sugarcane’s ‘Black Snow’ Is Worsening Bangkok’s Air Pollution Crisis
By Chomkate Ngamkaiwan
So far, the Thai government's efforts to improve its air quality have failed to address the systemic causes of the problem.

Torture Trial in Kazakhstan Ends in Prison Sentences, But Dissatisfaction Lingers
By Catherine Putz
Six police officers were sentenced to three years in prison in relation to the torture of 44 foreign nationals in the dark days of Qandy Qantar 2022.

Polio Diplomacy Between Pakistan and Afghanistan
By Bantirani Patro
Polio cases are surging in both countries. Can Pakistan and Afghanistan collaborate on eradicating the virus, even as their relations have soured?

Trump’s Aid Suspension Wreaks Havoc on Thailand-Myanmar Border
By Sebastian Strangio
Medical clinics serving around 100,000 refugees at camps in western Thailand are dependent on American aid.

Why DeepSeek Presents Serious Problems for China Researchers
By Zi Yang
DeepSeek’s adherence to CCP narratives goes beyond major sensitivities like the Tiananmen protests, potentially distorting understanding of the country – and even global affairs.

Afghan Women’s Cricket Team Makes Their Debut – in Melbourne
By Bianca Roberts and Ciaran O’Mahony
The first match by the Afghan women’s cricket team is placing the Taliban under additional diplomatic pressure.

How People Are Ringing in the Year of the Snake in China and Beyond
By Sijing Lu
According to historical records, the Chinese people have been celebrating the lunar new year for over 4,000 years.

Philippine Sex Education Bill Is ‘Woke and Abhorrent,’ President Says
By Ben Sturt
The proposed Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Act has come under fire from President Marcos, despite the country’s alarming teenage pregnancy rates.
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