Asia – PIVOT

A Very Short History of Balkanisation – and What It Means for Iran

The early months of 2026 have seen renewed discussion of multipolarity, nationalism and the risk of wider conflict.
Another term associated with 20th century politics has re-entered online political discourse:
Balkanisation.
The term is often used to describe fears of an ethnically or culturally diverse state fragmenting into smaller, weaker, political units. Both the Ottoman Empire and Yugoslavia ‘Balkanised’ in the 20th century, and now Iran faces the same threat today.
… Continue readingA Very Short History of Balkanisation – and What It Means for Iran

Too Much of a Good Thing? The Optics and Economics of Overtourism in Japan

Australians love to travel, but are we really the ‘good tourists’ we believe ourselves to be? Governments of popular destinations are increasingly responding to local anti-tourist sentiment with measures to control or reduce overtourism. In Japan, the skyrocketing number of foreign visitors, which included more than one million Australians last year, has elicited strong backlash and become a major domestic political issue. If tourism strengthens international influence, how are responses to overtourism affecting countries’ soft power? … Continue readingToo Much of a Good Thing? The Optics and Economics of Overtourism in Japan

All Art is Uncommitted Crime: The Intersection of Art, Activism and Social Media in the 21st Century

German philosopher Theodor Adorno famously praised the inherent political nature of art, declaring that “every work of art is an uncommitted crime”. Art should not only allow us to think critically about society, but should galvanize radical action. If the goal of protest is to correct injustices in the world, and the goal of art is to inspire activism, then it comes as no surprise that art-inspired protest is so prevalent in both history and the modern day. … Continue readingAll Art is Uncommitted Crime: The Intersection of Art, Activism and Social Media in the 21st Century

Evolve or Die: How drones are reshaping conventional assessments of military power

Recent reports of drone warfare in Ukraine and Iran have illuminated the unprecedented humanitarian disconnect in modern conflict. Images and videos of operators conducting fatal drone strikes with nothing but VR goggles and video game controllers have been particularly shocking to global audiences, inspiring discussion about the gamification of warfare. However, drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have arguably been in use in conflict since the 1950s. Why has it taken until now to see this drastic change?
… Continue readingEvolve or Die: How drones are reshaping conventional assessments of military power

When strategy turns toxic: the ecological and civilian price of state power

From the toxic waste sweeping into rivers to the carbon footprint of global armed forces rivalling that of entire nations, states involved in conflict are not just some of the largest disruptors of global supply chains, but they are also some of the planet’s most destructive polluters. The question is no longer whether global conflicts harm the environment, but whether the world can survive the ecological cost of conflict. … Continue readingWhen strategy turns toxic: the ecological and civilian price of state power

Asia’s Energy Crisis: Ramifications of the Iran War and Fossil Fuel Dependency

The energy crisis across Asia due to the Iran war has exposed the region’s fossil fuel dependency and vulnerability to geopolitical shocks, and should serve as a wakeup call for countries to transition towards renewable energy. Renewable energy is the self-sufficient and sustainable solution that strengthens Asia’s energy security and shock resilience by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. … Continue readingAsia’s Energy Crisis: Ramifications of the Iran War and Fossil Fuel Dependency

“Habibi, don’t come to Dubai”: Investigating Modern Day Slavery in the UAE

From Dubai Bling to Dubai Chocolate, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has dominated entertainment media and tourism since the discovery of oil in the late 1960s, launching them as a key player in the global trade hierarchy due to soft power influences. However, the UAE’s ‘elite’ status is one upheld by modern slavery systems under the guise of cheap labour. For as tall as the buildings are, equally as long are the shadows they cast; ones of oppressiveness, human rights abuses and exploitation. … Continue reading“Habibi, don’t come to Dubai”: Investigating Modern Day Slavery in the UAE

Renting wombs: the ethics of international surrogacy

Surrogacy is “booming”. Now a multi-billion dollar industry globally, it is set to be valued at AU$187 billion by 2032. While medical advancements and social shifts have normalised this path to parenthood, there is concern that while surrogacy has the ability to bring one woman’s dream to life, it exploits another — often one more vulnerable than the buyer. … Continue readingRenting wombs: the ethics of international surrogacy

From the Streets to the State: How South Asia’s Youth Are Rewriting Politics

South Asia has been seeing a rise in youth populism, an anti-elite sentiment amongst Gen-Z, which generally stems from triggers such as corruption or misrepresentation. Though increasingly prevalent in recent years, young people have long been at the centre of political protests, from student activism during the Vietnam War to the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Today, this continues through Gen Z-led movements determined to challenge governments and defy aging elites. In the age of social media, mass mobilisation has become easier than ever. … Continue readingFrom the Streets to the State: How South Asia’s Youth Are Rewriting Politics

Why thrifting is not the answer to our global overconsumption problem: The Case for Corporate Responsibility

Thrifting is often celebrated as a sustainable alternative to fast fashion. Purchasing clothes that otherwise would have ended up in landfill, thereby promoting a circular economy. While there is no denying that thrifting is beneficial for the environment, without challenging the consumption narrative and placing corporate responsibility on fast fashion brands, thrifting alone will never solve our overconsumption and overproduction problems. … Continue readingWhy thrifting is not the answer to our global overconsumption problem: The Case for Corporate Responsibility

A MIAS Publication

Category: Asia