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ASEAN Beat
‘One Vision, One Identity, One Community.’ That’s the ASEAN motto. But what’s the reality? Our bloggers based around this diverse and strategically key region give you an insider’s perspective on politics, security and society in South-east Asia.
ASEAN Meetings Open Under Shadow of Myanmar, Ukraine Crises
By Sebastian Strangio
This week's meetings come amid a host of regional and global crises that are testing the effectiveness of the Southeast Asian bloc.
Blinken Bound for Southeast Asia and Africa Amid China Tensions
By Sebastian Strangio
The top U.S. diplomat will visit Cambodia and the Philippines en route to a three-nation tour of Africa.
Ramos, Ex-Philippine Leader Who Helped Oust Dictator, Dies
By Jim Gomez
The cigar-chomping president played an important role in the People Power revolution of 1986, before going on to serve as president from 1992 to 1998.
The First 30 Days of the Marcos Presidency
By Mong Palatino
If the past month is anything to go by, the new administration is poised to carry on the legacy of Rodrigo Duterte.
Malaysian Parliament Passes Bill Outlawing Party-Hopping
By Sebastian Strangio
The new law is intended to stabilize Malaysian politics ahead of the next general election, which is due before September 2023.
India, UN Security Council Join Condemnation of Myanmar Executions
By Sebastian Strangio
Last week's killing of four political prisoners has catalyzed an unusually strong regional reaction.
Sulu Heirs’ Seizure of Petronas Assets Another Headache for Malaysia
By Imran Said
An audacious legal claim by the heirs of a long-vanished sultanate has awakened a dormant dispute over the Malaysian state of Sabah.
Key Takeaways From Thailand’s Latest Vote of Confidence Battle
By Tita Sanglee
The vote gave several hints about the likely direction of Thai politics ahead of next year's general election.
Who Will Lead Indonesia’s PDI-P Into the 2024 Election?
By Jefferson Ng
As President Joko Widodo approaches the end of his second term, it is shaping up as a race in two.
Indonesia’s Papua Region at Risk of Mass Violence, Report Claims
By Sebastian Strangio
The Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide claims that the region bears many of the structural risk factors associated with past mass atrocities.
ASEAN Chair Condemns ‘Highly Reprehensible’ Myanmar Executions
By Sebastian Strangio
The killings demonstrate the regime’s contempt for regional and global opinion. Could they force ASEAN to change its approach to the country’s conflict?
Philippine Leader Vows Recovery but Quiet on Human Rights
By Jim Gomez
Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s first State of the Nation speech was upbeat, but activists said it suffered "from a crisis of clarity, direction, and vision."