Asia

Masculinity among the ethnic communities of Myanmar should not just be seen as biological or as a result of gender inequality. It is deeply rooted in a cultural and social framework that has shaped daily life for generations.

What happens, when cultural anxieties around sexual and gendered norms meet the ghost of Pontianak, the vengeful spectre of victims of sexual assault? The poet Marylyn Tan has them meet in a haunted ballroom – and gives us a glimpse of this in a fiery spoken word piece.

Southeast Asia’s deepening ties with BRICS reflect a push to diversify partnerships and strengthen their voice in global governance. With Indonesia joining and others showing interest, BRICS is seen as a platform for cooperation, not opposition to the West.

Almost two-thirds of the heavy rare earths dysprosium and terbium on the global market come from Myanmar. How should Germany and Europe deal with the mining of urgently needed rare earths in the civil war-torn country of Myanmar?

Cambodia must choose its course wisely between China and the USA. The second Trump administration will redefine its diplomatic relations with Cambodia - but destroyed a lot of trust right from the start.

ASHA workers are the backbone of India's healthcare, yet they fight for recognition and fair pay. These women are now trying to transform the narrative around labor and dignity in the healthcare system. 

Women in Nepal have resisted oppression for decades, both through personal acts of defiance as well as participation in creative expressions of protest. Nirvana Bhandary in conversation with Bhawana Raut and Kailash Rai.

Parts of Thailand's modern political history, about which nothing can be found in school textbooks, are being exhibited and preserved in an unconventional museum. All Thais should have their say there – not just important historical figures.

China produces more than 30 percent of global emissions. In this article, Adam Tooze explains why the People's Republic's next five-year plan will have a decisive impact on the global climate - and why this is reason for cautious optimism. 

On June 4, the 18th national parliamentary elections took place in India. Almost one billion voters were called upon to vote. As expected, incumbent Narendra Modi was re-elected as Prime Minister. Yet, the cards were reshuffled.