Showing 1 - 10 of 352
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.
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.
Many faces of Olympic triumph
News, Published on 15/08/2024
» I was a messy Olympics fan. During the Games in Paris, I rooted for several national delegations. Because I was born in the Philippines, I cheered for the Filipinos. I'm ethnic Chinese, so I was thrilled by the achievements of China, Hong Kong and, uhm, Chinese Taipei. I'm an American citizen, so I'm happy when Team USA is No 1 (or 2 or 3). I live in London, so whenever the UK medalled, I experienced frissons of delight.
The UK's most working-class government
Oped, Published on 09/07/2024
» The United Kingdom has a new Labour government whose class composition are radically different from previous ones. According to our analysis of Labour's shadow cabinet, some 46% of Keir Starmer's cabinet members were raised by parents with "working class" occupations. That figure is well above average in terms of the broader working population, and it stands in stark contrast to the 7% who were of working-class origin in the last Conservative cabinet.
Hipster antitrust policy is actually conservative
News, Published on 11/06/2024
» Antitrust policy is having a moment. Led by Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan, US President Joe Biden's administration is turning its attention to suspect activity not only in Big Tech and Big Oil, but also in Big Alcohol, Big Hotel and Big Concert. The rationale for this new push, however, is ambiguous: Is antitrust law a tool to protect consumers from higher prices, or to defend small businesses against big ones?
Towards a just energy transition
News, Published on 22/04/2024
» Established in 1970, Earth Day is commemorated annually on April 22 to raise public awareness on environmental issues. Therefore, it is crucial to contemplate the strides made in combating pressing environmental issues, such as increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. When it comes to reducing or removing GHG emissions from the atmosphere, the transition away from fossil fuels becomes inevitable. However, it also prompts questions about whether this transition is simply just a transition or if it's a truly equitable and fair transition.
Thailand's semi-democracy faces risks
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 15/12/2023
» The government of Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin has settled into an uneasy balance between the civilian-led majority forces that represent the Thai electorate and the royalist-conservative minority guardians of the established centres anchored around the monarchy, military, judiciary, and bureaucracy.
There are rays of hope in Bangkok
News, Published on 30/10/2023
» It's not been widely covered, but the world is making progress in significantly reducing plastic production. This was on display at the Economist Impact's Global Plastics Summit in Bangkok this month and will continue in Nairobi next month.
Righting land deed wrongs
Oped, Editorial, Published on 06/10/2023
» A court saga over land ownership involving Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, leader of the Progressive Movement, suggests managing state land can be a messy business.
So difficult to choose: Canada or the Quad?
Oped, Gwynne Dyer, Published on 23/09/2023
» First Prize: Two Fabulous Days in Beautiful Delhi! Second Prize: Four Days In Delhi!