Showing 1 - 10 of 79
It's the economic history, stupid
Oped, Iker Saitua, Published on 14/01/2026
» Every year, I walk into a first-year lecture hall in Bilbao at the University of the Basque Country (EHU) and watch shoulders slump. The title of the course I'm teaching -- "Economic History" -- draws a similarly dejected reaction from my students: "Meh." "Boooring." "What's this even for?" Some call it "the history class", as if it belonged to another century.
Drowning in red tape
Oped, Editorial, Published on 03/12/2025
» Once a thriving southern trading post, Hat Yai has been swamped not only by muddy water but by the kind of hard, bitter lessons disasters bring.
Last Frontier unlike any other place
Roger Crutchley, Published on 17/08/2025
» Alaska has been thrust into the news this weekend for reasons that require no explanation. It's a suitably symbolic venue for the Trump-Putin summit considering it was once part of the Russian Empire. It is certainly an extraordinary part of the world that is much appreciated by those who love the wilderness.
The bombers that look like giant bats
Roger Crutchley, Published on 29/06/2025
» Anyone who has observed those B-2 Stealth bombers used by the US in Iran last week will be aware of the unique futuristic design that some say makes them resemble giant bats. Opinion is divided on whether these planes are an inspired example of beautiful modern engineering and technology or just plain ugly. They certainly look a bit sinister, but then so do most planes designed for dropping bombs.
Will Myanmar's military plan succeed?
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 10/06/2025
» Following the recent devastating earthquake, Myanmar's military junta leaders are facing increasing pressure at home and abroad. Despite this, they are moving forward with their five-step plan, while still implementing the Asean peace plan. The most crucial part of their plan is to hold a general election between late December 2025 and early January 2026. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has already promised this to leaders from India, China, Russia, Belarus and Asean countries.
Rethinking short rentals in Thailand
News, Wichayada Amponkitviwat & Khemmpat Trisadikoon, Published on 21/05/2025
» The global rebound in tourism after Covid-19 has driven a notable surge in short-term rentals (STRs) through online platforms. Offering travellers greater flexibility, STRs have become a popular alternative to traditional hotels, particularly in urban and tourist-heavy areas. In the European Union, their use has expanded rapidly, reflecting forecasts that predict continued growth fuelled by competitive pricing and evolving travel preferences.
Timor-Leste's membership divides Asean
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 13/05/2025
» Timor-Leste's long-awaited bid to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is in jeopardy. It has encountered unexpected headwinds -- this time from the Philippines. The sudden diplomatic friction stems from Dili's refusal to extradite Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr, a former Filipino congressman accused of terrorism and multiple murders, back to Manila.
China, Malaysia eye food security
Oped, Genevieve Donnellon-May, Published on 18/02/2025
» Can Malaysia and China help secure Asia's food future? A landmark agreement signed between the two nations late last year aims to do just that.
Resisting digital feudalism in artificial intelligence
Oped, Mariana Mazzucato, Published on 13/02/2025
» This month's AI Action Summit in Paris comes at a critical juncture in the development of artificial intelligence. At issue is not whether Europe can compete with China and the United States in an AI arms race; it is whether Europeans can pioneer a different approach that puts public value at the centre of technological development and governance. The task is to move away from digital feudalism, the term I coined back in 2019 to describe the dominant digital platforms' model of rent extraction.
Sell phones, not loans
Oped, Editorial, Published on 14/01/2025
» Apologies alone ring hollow. The violations of personal privacy by mobile phone makers Oppo and Realme demand more than words. Only an honest admission about what happened and concrete corrective measures to ensure such errors do not recur will restore public trust.