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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.
The Challenges of Repatriating Malaysian IS Fighters from Syria
By Rueben Dass and Jasminder Singh
At least 122 Malaysians traveled to Syria and Iraq to take up arms for the Islamic State.
Why Have Southeast Asian Governments Stayed Silent Over Ukraine?
By Sebastian Strangio
The region should be concerned about the baneful precedent set by the Russian invasion of the Donbas.
Philippine Senator and Leading Duterte Critic Marks Five Years in Jail
By Sebastian Strangio
According to a leading human rights group, Senator Leila de Lima's detention "exemplifies the lawlessness and cruelty of the Duterte administration.”
EU Announces Fourth Round of Sanctions on Post-Coup Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
The list of targeted entities includes the state-owned Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise, a major source of revenue for the military junta.
The Growing China-Indonesia-UAE Trilateral Relations
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and Yeta Purnama
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the three nations have established a triad of deepening and mutually beneficial relationships.
Myanmar Genocide Hearings Open, Overshadowed by Question of Recognition
By Sebastian Strangio
The International Court of Justice has drawn criticism for allowing representatives of the military junta to represent Myanmar at hearings this week.
The Dilemma Facing Myanmar’s National Unity Government
By Benjamin Mok
The country’s opposition shadow government faces a difficult choice between condoning attacks on civilians and promoting civilian immunity.
Myanmar Junta Rejects ASEAN Envoy’s Request to Meet Opposition Figures
By Sebastian Strangio
The military administration says that the National Unity Government and its allies are "terrorist organizations."
Dutch PM Apologizes for Atrocities Committed During Indonesian Independence War
By Sebastian Strangio
Prime Minister Mark Rutte's apology followed the publication of a government-funded report into the conduct of Dutch troops during the 1945-49 conflict.
Myanmar Crisis Overshadows Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers
By Sebastian Strangio
The informal gathering took place without the involvement of the junta's appointed foreign minister, but a path forward on the crisis is hard to see.
Is Thailand’s Buddhist Sangha Undergoing a Political Sea Change?
By Christian Kurzydlowski
The Thai Buddhist order has long helped to legitimize and prop up the prevailing monarchical order.
Chinese Pipeline in Myanmar Damaged in Attack by Anti-Regime Forces
By Sebastian Strangio
Chinese facilities and enterprises are increasingly being caught in the crossfire of the struggle between the PDFs and the Tatmadaw.