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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.
Why Vietnam’s Political Shake-Up Will Not Affect Its Foreign Policy
By Khang Vu
Two structural constraints, one international and one domestic, ensure a high degree of continuity in Hanoi's external relations.
Rights Group Files Complaint in Germany Against Myanmar’s Generals
By Sebastian Strangio
The complaint is the latest that seeks to use the doctrine of "universal jurisdiction" to bring the country's generals to justice.
Why Did ASEAN Leaders Skip Davos?
By Sribala Subramanian
The annual gathering of global elites has grown more “eurocentric.”
Thai Activists Hospitalized After Hunger Strike Over Royal Defamation Cases
By Sebastian Strangio
Tantawan Tuatulanon and Orawan Phuphong demanded that a judge revoke their bail in solidarity with other activists facing lese-majeste charges.
Philippines’ Marcos Seeks Foreign Minister Talks With China on Maritime Disputes
By Jim Gomez
The Philippine president said Manila will continue to push back against China, despite his proposal for higher-level talks to rapidly address future conflicts at sea.
Bali Welcomes Chinese Flight After Long COVID-19 Hiatus
By Sebastian Strangio
Indonesian authorities are hoping that the return of Chinese visitors will mark the beginning of the end for the island's long COVID-19 slump.
The Continuing Threat of Self-Radicalization in Singapore
By Mohamed Bin Ali
The internet and social media have created a host of novel internal challenges for the city-state's authorities.
Indonesia’s Jokowi Registers All-Time High Approval Rating
By Sebastian Strangio
With just a year until the end of his second and final term in office, Joko Widodo is more popular than ever.
Myanmar Junta Should Hand Power to ‘Qualified’ Leaders: Indonesian Minister
By Sebastian Strangio
Indonesia's experience of democratization could offer a path forward for Myanmar – but only if the country's generals have the political will.
UNHCR Reports Sharp Spike in Dangerous Rohingya Boat Voyages
By Sebastian Strangio
More than 3,500 people attempted to flee Myanmar and Bangladesh by sea last year, nearly five times more than in 2021.
Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship: Promoting ASEAN Relevance in 2023?
By Laura Southgate
The country takes up the bloc's rotating chairmanship at a time when its centrality and efficacy are being called into question.
Vietnam’s Legislature Accepts President’s Resignation, Names Interim Replacement
By Sebastian Strangio
The National Assembly will reportedly choose Nguyen Xuan Phuc's permanent replacement at its next meeting in May.