Alongside delving into Asia’s endlessly fascinating, ancient cultures, I enjoy taking deep-dives into what makes its modern societies tick, from the religious beliefs of young Japanese and Bhutan’s ‘Gross National Happiness’ to the growing consumer appetites of the nouveau riche in megacities like Shanghai and Mumbai. Here’s a glimpse of my work on the region’s social (and sociopolitical) trends, which also includes analysis for consulting firms (samples available on request).
The Diplomat (monthly magazine)
‘Pyonghattan’: Meet North Korea’s Nouveau Riche
The emergence of a newly moneyed class means more Pyongyang residents have cash to burn. But appearances can deceive.
Marketwatch
Japan Kicks its ‘Loophole Herb’ Drug Habit
The rise and fall of the previously legal "loophole herb" offers an interesting tale of Japan's effort to tighten its control of intoxicants.
Vice
How Ashley Madison Pulled Back the Curtain on Japan’s ‘Infidelity Economy’
The explosive success of "affair dating" website Ashley Madison in Japan has revealed just how widespread adultery is in the country.
The Diplomat
Modern Mongolia: From Genghis Khan to Traffic Jams
Mongolia shed its one-party system in 1990. Now both its economy and its traditional culture are booming.
The Diplomat
Ashin Wirathu: The Monk Behind Burma’s “Buddhist Terror”
A TIME Magazine cover story has riled Thein Sein along with much of the nation.
The Diplomat
Tibetan Schools: Preserving the Socio-Linguistic Ties That Bind
Tibetans today thrive in the modern world, but struggle to remain connected to their cultural roots.
The Diplomat
Tibet on Fire: Self-Immolations Rising
Self-immolations by Tibetan monks have spiked with China’s leadership change. Beijing continues to ignore their message.
The Diplomat
Kumbh Mela: Consuming the Greatest Show on Earth
Have mass media and consumerism hijacked India’s holiest event?
The Diplomat
Why Rodman’s Trip Isn’t Ping Pong Diplomacy
Dennis Rodman may be winning the hearts of North Korean fans, but this trip isn’t statecraft.
