America and India: So Much in Common
by John West America should manage its relationship with India with greater humility, modesty and respect. The world’s two largest democracies should focus more on what they have in common than what...
View ArticleJapan: A Venetian Destiny?
by John West In the Middle Ages, Venice was possibly the richest place on earth. But today, it is a mere museum, a shadow of its former self. Could the same Venetian destiny await Japan? Venice, a...
View ArticleDazzling Singapore’s Deep Contradictions
by John West Visitors to Singapore can’t help being dazzled by Asia’s only global city. Marina Bay. Sentosa Island. Botanical Gardens. Temples. Museums. Casinos. Luxury hotels. Shopping on Orchard Road...
View ArticleCan China Maintain Social Peace?
by John West China’s youth is experiencing growing frustrations. The government will have to do more to maintain social peace. A significant part of this group is well-educated, tech-savvy and hooked...
View ArticleChina’s Grudge Match Against Multinationals: Biting the Hand That Fed It
By John WestWhat motivates China’s leaders to go up against Western companies?China has been making the news with charges of anti-competitive behavior and bribery leveled against large multinational...
View ArticleJapan: A Polite Nation’s Dark Underbelly
By John WestA poor record on human rights hurts democracy in Japan.Visiting Japan, one is struck by the civility and moderation of its people — and the sharp contrast in this regard with some of its...
View ArticleRegionalism, Asia Style
By John West and Stephan RichterUnlike in Europe, Asian regionalism has been market-led.Despite its current problems, the EU is often considered to be the gold standard for countries working together...
View ArticleChina’s Financial Paradoxes
By John WestChina’s total debt is now greater than that of the United States, creating uncertainty about its future.China’s international financial showmanship at the Asian Infrastructure Investment...
View ArticleIndonesia at a Critical Juncture
By John WestGreat political and social hurdles stand in the way of Indonesia’s development. Today, the Indonesian economy stands at a critical juncture. Prices of its substantial commodity exports have...
View ArticleChina’s Japan-bashing
By John WestIs there any hope that China and Japan could bury the hatchet and have friendly relations?China is at it again, bashing Japan, its favorite whipping boy. But as China regularly whips itself...
View ArticleJapan’s Immigration Imperative
By John WestCan opening up to immigration provide Japan a potential source of economic revitalization?Japan’s economy suffers from labor shortages. Given that, it should make more serious efforts to...
View ArticleChina and Taiwan — Apocalypse Now?
By John WestWill the arrival of a new President in Taiwan bring even more “interesting times” in relations with mainland China? The Presidency of Tsai Ing-wen, which begins officially following her...
View ArticleJapan and Trump Trade Policy
By John WestHow will the Trump Administration shift economic and security ties with Japan?Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is now readying his government for a possible bilateral FTA with the United...
View ArticleAfter TPP: RCEP as China’s Magic Bullet?
By John WestChina will not lead free trade in Asia, contrary to many forecasts.With America’s retreat from the TPP, many commentators have argued that China will take over the lead of trade...
View ArticleChina’s North Korea Game
By John WestWhat explains Chinese collusion with, and protection of, North Korea? Isn’t China fearful of having a rogue nuclear state on its border?U.S. President Donald Trump wants China to solve his...
View ArticleSeven Challenges for an Asian Century
By John WestTo reach its full potential, Asia will need to overcome seven key challenges in the 21st century.1. Getting better value out of global value chains Asia appears a global leader in...
View ArticleIndia Has a Modi and a BJP Problem
By John WestModi’s initiative is undermining the very idea of India as a secular and multicultural liberal society. Violent protests and rallies are engulfing India, from Delhi to Mumbai, Hyderabad and...
View ArticleAmerica and India: So Much in Common
By John WestThe world’s two largest democracies are engaged in plenty of unnecessary strife.America should manage its relationship with India with greater humility, modesty and respect. The world’s two...
View ArticleJapan: A Venetian Destiny?
By John WestJapan and Venice share a similar history, but Japan should change course before that history repeats itself.In the Middle Ages, Venice was possibly the richest place on earth. But today, it...
View ArticleDazzling Singapore’s Deep Contradictions
By John WestThe clean veneer surrounding Singapore starts to show cracks.Visitors to Singapore can’t help being dazzled by Asia’s only global city. Marina Bay. Sentosa Island. Botanical Gardens....
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