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Joshua Kurlantzick
For Joshua Kurlantzick's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Oct 14, 2022
The U.S. midterms and what they may mean for Asia
A Democratic Party victory in both houses would probably lead to a foreign policy more focused on Asia compared to the more isolationist-leaning Republican Party.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 27, 2022
The challenges facing Washington’s Indo-Pacific economic policy
Holding face-to-face meetings with Asian leaders wonu2019t gloss over the shortcomings of any initiatives offered by U.S. trade officials.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 23, 2022
How Beijing’s unpopularity is undermining its global ambitions
Japan needs to team up with the U.S. and other allies to better understand and counter Chinau2019s attempts to influence Southeast Asian nations.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Apr 14, 2022
China goes all in with support for Myanmar's military regime
China believes Myanmar' military regime has the best chance of consolidating support for its rule, thereby protecting Beijingu2019s significant investments and strategic position in the country.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Mar 4, 2022
How Asia is responding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Given the lukewarm responses to calls for increased pressure on Russia so far from most South and Southeast Asian democracies, the West is unlikely to get much support in its efforts.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Feb 3, 2022
How advocates for democracy can stop military coups
Wherever possible, elected leaders should work to build public support for constitutional changes that dilute the power of militaries.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 31, 2021
What to watch for in Southeast Asia in 2022
COVID-19 is not the only challenge countries in the region are facing in the coming year.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 28, 2021
Biden’s democracy summit: Just talk or can it effect change?
Biden's summit comes at a challenging time for democracy. The global monitoring organization Freedom House called this yearu2019s report on the state of global freedom u201cDemocracy Under Siege.u201d
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 5, 2021
Lessons ASEAN could learn from Malaysia’s pandemic success
Malaysia has fully vaccinated more than 77% its population, with some 90% of adults u2014 those deemed eligible for the vaccine u2014 receiving a second dose.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Oct 11, 2021
Duterte's successor likely to continue Philippines' democratic regression
Another top potential contender, Duterteu2019s daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio, is currently mayor of Davao. She seems to act with the same disregard for the law as her father.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Sep 15, 2021
Authoritarian states' oppression reaches beyond their borders
Authoritarian powers such as China, Russia and Turkey are becoming both more autocratic at home, abroad and more influential on the world stage.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 27, 2021
Southeast Asia’s democracy woes accelerate
Countries from the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar and Malaysia have regressed from robust democracies or hybrid regimes with some now turning to outright authoritarian rule.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
May 31, 2021
Southeast Asian states pay price for virus complacency
Many Southeast Asian states have experienced sharp new surges in cases, and some countries could wind up with COVID-19 disasters on a scale with that of India.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
May 6, 2021
Myanmar’s humanitarian crisis threatens to entangle neighbors
Myanmaru2019s humanitarian crisis is now at a crossroads. The economy has collapsed and the banking system is on life support. The state is also ceasing to function due to the rising violence.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World / Perspectives
Apr 3, 2021
COVID-19 hits the biggest democracies the hardest. But why?
The pandemic is thought to be further entrenching economic and social inequalities.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Feb 2, 2021
The Myanmar coup’s dangerous aftershocks
Although the army has declared a state of emergency for a year, past history in Myanmar with such declarations could easily suggest that the state of emergency could go on for many years.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jan 13, 2021
COVID-19 batters Asia’s already-struggling democracies
In Asia in particular, democratic or quasi-democratic governments have taken advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen their grips on power.
COMMENTARY / World
Oct 18, 2016
Thailand's new uncertainty
Given the uncertainty implied by King Bhumibol's death, and the prospect of an unpopular crown prince eventually reigning, stability seems unlikely in Thailand any time soon.

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A statue of "Dragon Ball" character Goku stands outside the offices of Bandai Namco in Tokyo. The figure is now as recognizable as such characters as Mickey Mouse and Spider-Man.
Akira Toriyama's gift to the world