Op-Eds and Opinion

The economy of the Philippines stands out for its relatively robust 6.6-percent growth in 2012 amid lackluster economic growth in most places around the world. The crucial question, however, is how the country can sustain this performance to...

The striking reduction in extreme poverty over the past two decades is in good measure a reflection of [People's Republic of] China’s ability to lift some 500 million people above the poverty line. But this progress begs the question...

Can extreme poverty be eliminated in the next 20 years? Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono may well be pondering this question as he and other heads of state gather in New York for the 67th session of the United Nations General...

After a remarkable run, Asian countries are finding it increasingly difficult to sustain past rates of economic growth. In the aftermath of the 2008-2009 global financial crisis, governments across the region have plenty to worry about: slowing...

Countries around the world, including Asia, have been buffeted by a succession of economic, financial and climate-related shocks over the past four years. Many countries in this region are finding it increasingly difficult to sustain past...

It is often said that as countries climb from low- to middle-income status, income inequality typically worsens before getting better. Whether this is an iron-clad law or not, what is true is that inequality in middle-income countries —...

The rising incidence of climate-related natural disasters will be a key concern at the milestone United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro in June. The recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate...

[People's Republic of] China, South Korea, Russia, the United States and two dozen others face potential leadership transitions this year. The prospect for economic growth and prosperity is likely to be the central determinant of these...

At the turn of 2012, the world continues to be in the grip of a two-fold crisis: an economic downturn and widespread job losses on the one side and accelerating global warming and extreme weather events on the other. So far, Asia has been less...

As we enter a new year, the world continues to be in the grips of dual crises: a stubborn economic downturn with widespread job losses combined with accelerating global warming threatening vulnerable communities. Many argue that dealing with...

In the diverse forces driving social unrest around the world this year – the Arab Spring, the Occupy Wall Street protests and the growing concerns about inequalities across Asia – there is a valuable lesson that can no longer be...

In a world beset by climate change, even local weather has global implications. Thailand’s historically heavy monsoon this year – swamping several northern provinces and threatening low-lying Bangkok – fits into a troubling...