EDITORIALS

Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk region has potentially enhanced Kyiv's bargaining power, though it may not lead to immediate changes in either country’s strategic goals.
EDITORIALS
Aug 23, 2024
Ukraine makes gains, but the war won’t stop
Continued support for Ukraine is crucial to maintaining pressure on Russia and upholding international order.
The race to succeed Fumo Kishida as the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party promises to be the most competitive in memory. There is no heir apparent and the party's internal structure has been decimated by scandal.
EDITORIALS
Aug 16, 2024
Kishida’s tenure has simple lessons for his successor
The race to succeed Kishida promises to be the most competitive in memory. There is no heir apparent and the LDP's internal structure has been decimated by scandal.
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on Monday as selloffs in global markets, including Japan’s Nikkei 225 index, deepened amid concerns about a slowdown in the global economy.
EDITORIALS
Aug 9, 2024
BOJ rate hike spooked markets, but it's not the sole culprit
Unwinding decades of loose monetary policy was always going to be challenging, and the global economy must brace for similar adjustments from other central banks.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s government is working hard to enhance Japan's global and regional influence through strategic defense reforms and international partnerships.
EDITORIALS
Aug 2, 2024
Japan’s defense reforms and diplomacy boost regional security
Considerable progress was made this week in a series of meetings with Tokyo's counterparts in various endeavors, the heart of which is the Japan-U.S. alliance.
U.S. President Joe Biden addresses the nation about his decision to not seek reelection from the Oval Office on Wednesday. Biden’s decision to step aside and pass the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris now looks like it was inevitable in retrospect. 
EDITORIALS
Jul 26, 2024
The U.S. political roller coaster is just getting started
U.S. President Joe Biden’s stunning decision to abandon his reelection campaign looks inevitable in retrospect.
Recent events in U.S. politics, including an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, a favorable court ruling and his nomination at the Republican National Convention, have strengthened the perception he may be “untouchable,” yet nothing is set in stone.
EDITORIALS
Jul 19, 2024
Trump’s wild week and a changing U.S. presidential race
Recent events have reinforced the idea of the “Teflon Don,” an extraordinarily lucky man for whom the laws of politics do not apply.
Members of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take part in a military review at Camp Asaka in October 2018. The nation’s public is currently favorable to the SDF, but if scandals aren’t handled correctly, that opinion may change. 
EDITORIALS
Jul 12, 2024
A multitude of scandals threaten Japan’s national defense
Individually, recent scandals are troubling. Together they are reflective of a problematic culture within the defense forces and bureaucracy.

Longform

A store clerk tries to cool things down in front of their shop by spraying a hose.
Is extreme weather changing the way Japan shops?