Showing 91 - 100 of 7,943
Will humans survive the next 100 years?
Oped, Peter Singer, Published on 24/08/2024
» In May, experts from many fields gathered in Montenegro to discuss "Existential Threats and Other Disasters: How Should We Address Them." The term "existential risk" was popularised in a 2002 essay by the philosopher Nick Bostrom, who defined it as referring to risks such that "an adverse outcome would either annihilate Earth-originating intelligent life, or permanently and drastically curtail its potential".
Thai politics has turned upside down
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 23/08/2024
» The rise of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and the return -- and re-entry, of her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, have turned Thai politics upside down. On the surface, Mr Thaksin still dominates Thai politics nearly 20 years after he was deposed by a military coup and exiled for most of that period. This time, his political power and influence are being exercised through his daughter Ms Paetongtarn. As the Shinawatra clan has been coopted by its former establishment adversaries, the past two decades of periodic elections, street protests, two military coups, two constitutions, and multiple judicial bans on political parties and elected politicians have entered a new chapter.
Dhaka's role in Myanmar's crisis
Oped, Published on 23/08/2024
» As Bangladesh ushers in a new era of leadership under Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, the world watches with hope and anticipation. His leadership, emerging from a period of student-led protests and political upheaval, symbolises a triumph of democracy and justice in a region long plagued by strife. But as Bangladesh looks inward to heal and rebuild, there is an urgent call for its new leadership to turn its gaze toward a neighbour in dire need -- Myanmar.
Keep toxic waste away
Oped, Editorial, Published on 23/08/2024
» Thailand just won a small battle against illegal toxic waste smuggling. Finally, two cargo vessels loaded with toxic waste were forced to return to their original destinations -- suspected to be Albania and another country in Europe -- after local officials blocked the ships from docking.
Does 'slacktivism' deserve its bad reputation?
Oped, Published on 23/08/2024
» Earlier this year, activists opposing the war in Gaza marched onto the Golden Gate Bridge and Interstate 880 in Oakland. They blocked traffic for hours, some chaining themselves to vehicles or cement-filled drums. Twenty-six were arrested and charged.
Take mpox seriously
News, Editorial, Published on 22/08/2024
» From a country once considered at "almost zero risk" of an mpox outbreak, as declared by a senior health official two years ago, Thailand is now facing an increasing threat after the Department of Disease Control (DDC) confirmed yesterday that a patient who travelled to the kingdom from Africa might be infected with the more serious Clade 1b strain of the disease.
Next chapter in Thailand's political saga
News, Gwynne Dyer, Published on 22/08/2024
» 'I consult with my father on all issues, whether on private matters or about work, and have done since I was young," said Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand's new and youngest prime minister at 38 years of age. She is the third member of the Shinawatra family to hold this office, and part of the "evil cycle" that has paralysed the country's politics for the past 18 years.
Uniting to end gender violence
News, Published on 22/08/2024
» In Southeast Asia, deeply ingrained traditional gender norms often designate women and girls as primary caretakers, leading to a stark gender imbalance in both household responsibilities and societal roles. This deeply embedded gender bias, along with the uneven distribution of unpaid care work, exacerbates the challenges women face, often trapping them in abusive situations and perpetuating a cycle of inequality and economic dependence. Over time, women's autonomy and decision-making power are eroded, increasing the risk of domestic violence -- a global crisis hidden in plain sight.
Q2 GDP growth may be misleading
News, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 22/08/2024
» I eagerly awaited the release of the Q2/2024 GDP growth figure which became available on Monday. The 2.3% growth figure, presented by the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), did not surprise me. A friend had warned me that the quarterly growth could be as high as 2.5%, even though my estimation for the quarter was only 1.0%.
Democracies uniting to counter global populism
News, Jan-Werner Mueller, Published on 22/08/2024
» Think back to late June and early July. The French far right was favoured to win a snap parliamentary election. Trumpist judges in the United States were conveniently resolving the legal woes of the former president, who seemed to be gliding to victory after President Joe Biden's disastrous debate performance. And while Britain was getting a Labour government, a new anti-immigration party led by the chief Brexiteer, Nigel Farage, had made unprecedented gains. Faced with it all, pundits warned that a wave of populist, "anti-incumbency" rage was sweeping across the world's democracies.