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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.
Laos Takes Another Step Forward on Controversial Mekong Dam
By Sebastian Strangio
The China-backed Pak Lay hydropower project is just one of nine dams that the Lao government has planned for the Mekong River.
Jokowi, Ganjar, and Prabowo: A Look at Indonesia’s Pre-Election Landscape
By Virdika Rizky Utama
Ganjar Pranowo and Prabowo Subianto are currently leading the polls ahead of next year's election. But will they participate as opponents or partners?
Soccer is Empowering Burmese Migrant Girls on the Thai Border
By Shalini Perumal
Sports programs run by the organization PlayOnside offer girls and young women displaced by Myanmar's civil war an escape from patriarchal social expectations.
It’s Time To Rethink Myanmar’s Ethnic Armed Organizations
By Amara Thiha
Given how central ethnic armed groups and political movements are to Myanmar's conflicts, how we define them carries a great deal of political weight.
China, Philippines Open Bilateral ‘Consultative’ Talks in Manila
By Sebastian Strangio
Chinese officials took the opportunity to voice their opposition to a recent expansion of the U.S. military presence in the Philippine archipelago.
Indonesian Parliament Passes Emergency Jobs Regulation
By Sebastian Strangio
The regulation, which intends to make Indonesia a more attractive destination for foreign investment, has been staunchly opposed by unions and environmental groups.
How the Indonesian Lion Air Crash Brought Down a US Legal Empire
By Aisyah Llewellyn
In early 2020, the families of the Lion Air crash victims won a multi-million dollar legal settlement in a U.S. court – but the promised money never arrived.
Philippines’ Marcos Defends Closer Security Relations With Washington
By Sebastian Strangio
The rapid warming of relations with the U.S. has prompted warnings from Beijing, and domestic political pushback.
Cambodia Arrests Opposition Activists for Posts About Country’s King
By Sebastian Strangio
The activists, who are reportedly close to opposition leader Kem Sokha, had criticized the government's treatment of King Norodom Sihamoni.
Singapore Court Suspends Death Row Lawyer For Five Years
By Sebastian Strangio
M. Ravi has been barred from practicing law for five years for accusing the attorney-general of being "overzealous" in his prosecution of a death row client.
Thailand’s Long and Bumpy Road to Nuclear Energy Adoption
By Tita Sanglee
Nuclear power has the potential to resolve the country's energy security concerns, but there are a number of obstacles to its adoption.
Thai PM Dissolves Parliament, Paving Way For May Election
By Sebastian Strangio
The polls will once again see a showdown between the allies of exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the country's conservative establishment.