The Aussie Way of Democracy
In an era when many established democracies are backsliding, Australian democracy remains resilient. What can other countries learn from it?
Sergiy Nikolaychuk on the Economics of War
Sergiy Nikolaychuk, a Deputy Governor at the National Bank of Ukraine, talks about running an economy during a war for his country’s existence.
The Looming Famine in Afghanistan
Mismanagement by the Taliban and the halt in foreign aid has plunged Afghanistan’s economy into freefall – and no one knows what to do about it.
Why Doesn’t Britain Innovate Anymore?
In the 19th century, Britain was “the workshop of the world.” Now, it hardly seems to invent anything. What happened?
The Problem with Self-Care
Self-care stitched my life back together, but I’m here to pull its threads apart — it’s not always as healthy as we think.
FICTION | From the Tree
A porn search history and the secret lives of a suburban family.
The Religious Dimensions of the Ukraine War
The schism between the Ukrainian and Russian Orthodox Churches, and the religious tensions it raises, threatens to exacerbate an already horrific war.
Unholy Communion: The Vatican’s Deal with the CCP
While the Vatican may have had good intentions in compromising with the Chinese Communist Party, it has betrayed Catholics in China and the very tenets of its faith.
The Banality of Hitler
If we view Hitler as uniquely evil, we blind ourselves to the fact that there really are people as bad, or near as bad, as him today.
The Problem With “Fresh Start” Cities
Indonesia is planning to move its capital from Jakarta to Nusantara – a new city it’s building – by 2024. Indonesia is not the only country to be enticed by the idea of a “fresh start” city, but these cities are rarely the panaceas or utopias their creators envisioned.
The Black Lives Matter Black Hole
Black Lives Matter is just the latest movement to be swallowed by a non-profit sector that is corrupt to its core.
Phil Robertson on Defending Human Rights in East Asia
Phil Robertson of Human Rights Watch discusses defending human rights in East Asia, how he works with authoritarian governments, and why ASEAN doesn’t care about human rights.
Writers
Shaun Tan
Founder, Editor-in-Chief, and Staff Writer
FICTION | A Bed to Rule Them All
As my mind hazes, my last thought is of the Deep Sleep I will get with this bed and the new heights of success it will bring. Yes, I think, with this bed I will straddle the world.
The Solomon Islands Is Making Its China Problem Worse
The new security deal between China and the Solomon Islands has shaken Australia and its allies. What’s the significance of this deal, and how should they respond?
What the Cards Say
Where do tarot cards come from and why do some people think they have occult powers? A skeptic delves into the colorful world of tarot.
FAKE NEWS | Asian Smashes Stereotypes by Being Bad at Everything
For decades, Asian Americans have been stereotyped as overachievers. But one extraordinary young woman is fearlessly shattering this stereotype, by being awful at everything.
Pride, Prejudice, and Population
Japan is in a population crisis. But its pride and prejudice are preventing it from embracing the obvious solution.
How Durable is the Great Green Wall of China?
China is undertaking the largest afforestation project the world has ever seen. But building an enormous wall of trees is harder than it sounds.
Inside Japan’s Hostess Clubs
Hostess clubs, establishments where men pay to talk and drink with beautiful and charming women, can be found in nightlife districts all over Japan.
Interviews with interesting people
FICTION | The Feud
When an ordinary man criticizes a famous rapper’s latest album, the rapper sics his fans on him. Things escalate from there.
These violent delights have violent ends.
