Rich Ward
Rich Ward is a freelance writer with a passion for South-East Asian politics and history, especially the very peculiar beast that is North Korea.
Rich graduated in 2005 with a BA in Politics and French, either side of that time he has diligently pursued a career in finance from which he is currently taking a sabbatical.
A fluent French and Spanish speaker, Rich has spent time living in both countries and considers the Catalan capital Barcelona a home away from home. He currently divides his time between his native England and China, and is trying his best to learn the most difficult language ever conceived: Mandarin.
Rich has recently completed writing Opium: The Confessions of Thomas de Quincey, a play which will be presented at theatre festivals in the UK and Ireland throughout 2010.
In addition to his regular contributions to Suite101, Rich produces a blog on North Korea and has also recently started writing for Asian Correspondent.
Latest Articles
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Burma's Military Rulers Hope Elections Will Entrench Their Rule
The ruling junta's preparations for the planned elections continue apace, with key figures resigning from their military posts in order to run for office.
May 3, 2010
- Rich Ward
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An Introduction to ASEAN
ASEAN is an economic and political organisation comprising ten member states located in South-East Asia, but how does it work and how effective is it really?
Mar 3, 2010
- Rich Ward
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The North Korean Ideology of Juche
Invented in the years following the Korean War, Juche was designed to provide North Korea with an ideological underpinning differentiating it from its Socialist allies.
Feb 18, 2010
- Rich Ward
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Burma's Ruling Military Junta
Burma's military has ruled with an 'iron fist' since overthrowing the elected government following a coup d'état in 1962, although elections are promised for 2010.
Feb 16, 2010
- Rich Ward
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Shiro Ishii and the Unit 731 Prison Camp
Under the leadership of Shiro Ishii the Japanese carried out experiments on human guinea pigs - known as marutas - from 1933 until the end of the Second World War.
Feb 4, 2010
- Rich Ward
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The State of Democracy in Indonesia
Ailing despot Suharto stepped down in 1998 when facing rising social unrest ending years of autocratic rule, but has democracy really taken root in Indonesia since then?
Jan 22, 2010
- Rich Ward
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North Korea Calls For Immediate End To Sanctions
Adopting a new, tough stance, North Korea has called for the suspension of all sanctions before they return to the negotiating table at the stalled six-party talks.
Jan 20, 2010
- Rich Ward
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South Thailand Insurgency Continues to Escalate
Could closer cooperation with neighbouring Malaysia and an investment programme aimed at raising income help quell the Muslim insurgency in Thailand's southern regions?
Jan 16, 2010
- Rich Ward
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Violence Continues to Blight Philippine Election
Andal Ampatuan Jr., the man charged with masterminding the Philippines' bloodiest political attack has appeared in court for the first time amid heavy security.
Dec 20, 2009
- Rich Ward
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Vietnam Signs Major Russian Arms Deal
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has signed military contracts worth billions of dollars during a visit to Moscow; the two countries also agree to strengthen economic ties.
Dec 16, 2009
- Rich Ward
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