Tea Leaves

Electoral workers empty a ballot box as votes are counted during the parliamentary election in Dili on July 22.
Tea Leaves

Progress on the bumpy road to democracy

East Timor provides a small but timely example of the power of the ballot box

31 August 2017
Commuters head to work in Tokyo's Marunouchi business district. So far, populist movements have not gained momentum in Japan.
Tea Leaves

Populism fails to catch fire in Japan

Gripes from the young and fears for the future won't fuel radical politics

24 August 2017
An empty guard post outside former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew's Oxley Road residence in Singapore
Tea Leaves

Singaporeans reveal a pent-up desire for debate on social issues

Prime minister's family feud goes viral, provides public a rare chance to vent

10 August 2017
The Podi Menike winds its way through Sri Lanka's tea-covered hill country. (Photo by Marwaan Macan-Markar)
Tea Leaves

Sweet or bitter: The 'tea train' evokes colonial legacy

Anniversary celebrations offer reflections on British rule and homegrown success

3 August 2017
Taiwanese metal band Flesh Juicer performs at a music festival in Taichung, Taiwan, on July 15. (Photo by Chris Horton)
Tea Leaves

Martial law to mosh pit: Taiwan's path to freedom

Anniversary of move toward democracy sparks celebration and reflection

27 July 2017
The changing demographics of cities like Sydney are challenging concepts of "Australian."
Tea Leaves

The changing face of Australia's national identity

Can country maintain its delicate balancing act between East and West?

20 July 2017
Myanmar's newest mall, Junction City Shopping Centre, in Yangon (Photo by Simon Roughneen)
Tea Leaves

As a city, Yangon is still searching for its mojo

Uneven development leaves Myanmar's largest city in a state of flux

13 July 2017