Tag: Asia

Political and social analysis of Asia: China, India, Myanmar, Japan, Taiwan, and beyond—exploring power, rights, and democratic tensions across the region.

The Potala Palace served as the chief residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala, India, following the 1959 uprising in defense of Tibetan sovereignty.

Books

How State Sovereignty Fuels Language Loss: Lessons from Tibet

China’s Assimilation Drive in Tibet Shows Us That Current Attacks on Diversity…

Gerald Roche

15 Min Read

Contemporary view of Ginza, Tokyo. The illuminated spectacle of branded signage reflects the long-term influence of Commercial Art on Japan’s urban consumer spaces.

Books

Commercial Art and the Urban Spectacle of Modern Japan

Excerpted from The Fine Art of Persuasion: Corporate Advertising Design, Nation, and Empire…

Gennifer Weisenfeld

7 Min Read

Books

How China’s E-Commerce Boom Charts a Digital Path to Growth

In merely 20 years, China leapfrogged developed economies to build an e-commerce…

Lizhi Liu

11 Min Read

The image of Mao Zedong, a towering figure in China's political history, continues to evoke debates about the country's trajectory in foreign policy.

Books

The Transformation of Chinese Foreign Policy: Leaders Matter

About the book, The Dragon Roars Back: Transformational Leaders and Dynamics of…

Suisheng Zhao

14 Min Read

This image captures a significant moment during the 2019 Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protests. It shows a large crowd gathered under a sea of umbrellas, a symbol of resistance, amidst a rainy setting in an urban environment. The towering skyscrapers in the background and curved structures of a nearby transport hub enhance the metropolitan feel of the scene. The photo, taken in black and white, adds a dramatic and somber tone, emphasizing the unity and determination of the protesters. The dense congregation of umbrellas not only protects against the rain but also visually represents the collective spirit of the people standing against the proposed legislation.

Books

The Assault on Liberal Values and Institutions in Hong Kong

In this interview, Professor Davis discusses the erosion of freedom in Hong…

Michael Davis

353 Min Read

Night view of the vibrant, colorfully lit Friendship Archway in Chinatown, Washington DC, symbolizing People's Diplomacy, bustling with pedestrians and cars.

Books Analysis & Theories

Rethinking U.S.-China Relations Through People’s Diplomacy

The book tells many stories in which Americans and Chinese promoted people’s…

Kazushi Minami

9 Min Read

Masao Maruyama, a precursor of qualified democracies, working at his desk surrounded by books and papers. Maruyama was a prominent Japanese political theorist who advocated for a deeper and more substantive approach to democracy.

Analysis & Theories

Qualified Democracies: Everlasting Multi-Dimensional Innovation

Democracy's future hinges on embracing a multi-dimensional, dialectical approach that is both…

Masaya Kobayashi

16 Min Read

A healthcare professional wearing a lab coat and a surgical mask is holding a test tube, likely representing medical research or testing. Images like this can underscore the importance of access to quality healthcare, as well as the disparities that exist in different regions and among different groups of people. Health inequality is a significant issue around the globe, affecting millions. Addressing these disparities is critical for improving health outcomes and ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to live healthy lives.

Analysis & Theories

Health Inequality in Japan: COVID-19 and Fairness

By enhancing fairness and justice in socio-economic policies, Japan can significantly improve…

Masaya Kobayashi

11 Min Read

This image features a serene outdoor scene of people enjoying the bloom of cherry blossoms, known as "sakura" in Japan, which could be during the traditional "hanami" season when viewing and celebrating the beauty of cherry blossoms is a cultural event. A variety of individuals are seen partaking in leisurely activities under the canopy of delicate, pale pink cherry blossom flowers that dangle elegantly from the tree branches. The atmosphere appears relaxed and convivial, with some people engaged in conversation, while others are content to simply soak in the beauty of their surroundings, embodying a sense of community and shared appreciation that transcends citizenship.

Analysis & Theories

Citizenship, Justice, Well-Being: Japan’s Insight

Grounded in communitarian philosophy, the interrelation of citizenship, justice, and well-being significantly…

Masaya Kobayashi

13 Min Read

Capture the essence of Yukio Mishima, an emblem of Homoerotic Nationalism, as he intricately weaves together sexuality and patriotism in his literary and political pursuits.

Culture & Politics

Eros and Emperor: Mishima Yukio’s Homoerotic Nationalism

Through the lens of 'homoerotic nationalism,' Mishima Yukio intricately maps the terrain…

Kazuyoshi Kawasaka

16 Min Read

A manga-styled woman, drawn with Renaissance artistic techniques, set against a backdrop that shows two contrasting worlds. On one side, there's a modern office setting with elements of corporate Japan, and on the other side, a traditional Japanese home. The woman is caught in the middle, torn between these two worlds. Her attire blends traditional kimono elements with a modern business suit. The color palette is inspired by Renaissance art, but the imagery and tension in the scene speak to the gender norms discussed in the article, creating a visually striking contrast.

Culture & Politics

Manga Politics: Gender Norms in Japanese Artistry

Manga, often dismissed as mere comic art, serves a much deeper function…

P&RR

14 Min Read