Politics
Holding Myanmar’s rulers accountable
As Myanmar’s military rulers attempt to consolidate their hold on the country through elections, intended to restore at least a semblance of civilian rule, an independent programme outside the country known as the Myanmar Accountability Project (MAP) is on a regional mission to hold the military authorities accountable for their brutality. Director of MAP, Chris Gunness, reports on a visit to Timor-Leste.
Nepal votes in Gen Z-inspired election
The people of Nepal go to the polls this month (5 March) after last year’s violent street protests and army intervention followed by a peaceful period of interim government. Kunda Dixit reports from Kathmandu.
Jakarta takes over as the world’s largest city
The Indonesian capital Jakarta has overtaken previous front runners Dhaka and Tokyo to become the world’s most populous city according to a United Nations report which reveals that all but one of the world’s largest cities are in Asia. Rahul Jaywant Bhise reports.
A People’s Victory in New York City
On January 1, 2026, Zohran Kwame Mamdani was sworn in as New York City’s first South Asian and Muslim mayor and the youngest in 134 years. Nilita Vachani followed his campaign.
A fragile truce: Can the Kuala Lumpur accord survive?
The peace accord signed in the Malaysian capital by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, on 26 October 2025, witnessed by US President Donald Trump, who claimed it as one of his hallmark international peace achievements, has since then come under strain.
Ayatollah in deep water with Iran on the boil
Since early January Iranians have been on the streets protesting as the value of the rial falls, creating a cost of living crisis and raising questions as to whether Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei can survive this latest rebellion against his rule. Kasra Naji reports.
Memes as the new battle flags of Gen Z revolts
The digital realm has given rise to a new lexicon of dissent where ephemeral online artefacts, based on Japanese ‘anime’ cartoon characters popular with Gen Z, mutate into symbols of political resistance. Madhavi Ravikumar compares modern modes of protest across Asian cities.
What Democracy means in a country where the word is avoided
In the West we talk of democracy as if it is universally understood and incapable of more than one interpretation. As Lijia Zhang explains, it can mean something different to the people of China.
What are Myanmar’s elections for?
The people of Myanmar have been to the polls to choose members of two national and fourteen state assemblies. Nicholas Nugent questions what difference the polls will make in a country riven by civil war.
A new era in Bangladesh?
Following the drama of the ‘Monsoon Revolution’ in 2024 and an eighteen month period of army-backed civilian-led interim rule, Bangladesh goes to the polls this month to choose a new government. Syed Zain Al-Mahmood asks whether the elections can deliver the change the people are demanding.
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