Broad Gauge versus Narrow Gauge: The Politics of Dimension in Mongolia’s Railroad System
Memo #11 – The outcome of a debate over railway track dimensions, whether to use broad gauge to Russia, or narrow gauge to China, could determine the direction of Mongolian foreign policy. On one hand, the debate indicates the strength of Mongolia’s democracy. On the other hand, it is a clear example of a geo-economic contest where the standards of a former hegemonic power (Russia) are challenged by an emerging major power (China).
Media Narratives and North Korea: Content Convergence in (Mis)reporting on the Fate of the North Korean National Soccer Team Coach
Memo #10 – News and internet channels around the world reacted with indignation, pity, and outrage to reports that the coach of North Korea’s World Cup soccer team, Kim Chong-hun, had been sent to a labour mine and forced to work for 14 hours a day after a 6 hour public harangue of most of his team and staff.
Susan Ritchie speaks about the Canada-DPRK news service (CanKor), humanitarian aid, and the future of North Korea
Memo #9 – Susan Ritchie is the Founder of First Steps, a Christian humanitarian NGO addressing childhood malnutrition in North Korea. In this interview, she speaks about the usefulness of the newly launched CanKor blog for humanitarian work. She also discusses how CanKor is an important Canadian source for comprehensive analysis of the DPRK. The Canadian government’s approach to North Korea will only improve with a better understanding of the concerns of Korean Canadians. Overall, she is optimistic about North Korea’s future.
What’s Next for Thailand? A Post-Crackdown Commentary
Memo #8 – The bomb blast in Bangkok last month underscores that few are smiling in the “Land of Smiles.” The street protests have been suppressed but recent polls indicated that at least three-quarters of Thai think the political crisis is far from over.
Clinton Signals a Major Change of Course in the South China Sea
Memo #7 – Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s recent announcement that the long-standing sovereignty and jurisdictional disputes in the South China Sea affects the national interests of the United States will have angered some, worried others, and delighted many. It seems to signal an end to the position held by the United States that issues concerning the Spratly and Paracel Islands, and the ocean space around them, were matters for the contending states alone. Furthermore, it marks another step in the internationalization of these issues.
American Tutelage, Chinese Disillusion, and the “Turning Point” in Early 20th Century Chinese Journalism
Memo #6 – In recent years, at least three prominent Chinese news agencies, Xinhua, CCTV, and People’s Daily, have announced that they were “going global.” All of them are now providing news coverage in various languages to global audiences. The motivation behind the move is to provide what Chinese officials and intellectuals have described as “better” and “more objective” coverage, especially of China itself.
Threads, Robes, and Alms-Rounds: Thai Buddhist Monks in the Recent Yellow Shirt vs. Red Shirt Conflict
Memo #5 – Reports disseminated by Buddhist news aggregators suggest instances when Buddhist monks act along political “lines” while claiming political neutrality. The recent conflict in Thailand is no exception.
Courts Decide On Work Hour Practices At Toyota And McDonald’s In Japan
Memo #4 – Working hours, wages, and health have grabbed headlines with the recent strikes at manufacturing plants in China. The William L. Holland Prize-winning article in Pacific Affairs in 2009 examines working conditions in Japan and the outcome of several recent court cases intended to limit work hours at Toyota and McDonald’s.
Erich Weingartner speaks about the re-launch of the Canada-North Korea news service
Memo #3 – Erich Weingartner, Editor of CanKor, speaks about North Korea and the new version of The CanKor Blog. This Canada-North Korea news service “aims to provide information and analysis that does not get the attention it deserves in the commercial media”.
Is South Korea’s Hyper-Education System The Future?
Memo #2 – A recent workshop at the University of Waterloo concluded that hyper-education will spread globally in the future. Currently, South Korea’s education system seems to be the most extreme. It is increasingly structured around tutoring in “hagwon” (supplemental education institutions). Korea has taken on even more extreme forms of examination “hell” than Japan.