Region
Southeast Asia
Bleak Prospects for an Indonesia-US FTA on Critical Minerals
By Fajar Hidayat
Indonesia is keen to get increased access to the U.S. market, but China’s heavy presence in the country is causing concern in Washington.
No Hedging for Malaysia in Israel-Hamas Conflict
By Collins Chong Yew Keat
Malaysia is a clear supporter of the Palestinian cause and is unlikely to bend over backwards for Western powers.
Intel Backs Out of Planned Vietnam Chip Expansion, Report Claims
By Sebastian Strangio
According to a Reuters report, the company expressed concerns about the country's excessive bureaucracy and unstable power supply.
Former Indonesian Communications Minister Imprisoned for Accepting Bribes
By Sebastian Strangio
Johnny G. Plate is accused of taking nearly $1.2 million in kickbacks related to the construction of thousands of telecoms towers in remote parts of the archipelago.
The Dwindling Prospects For Russian and Chinese-Backed Infrastructure Projects in Myanmar
By Syah Vaghji
Growing political turbulence, especially in the northern part of Shan State, has drastically narrowed the chances of progress on a host of large-scale projects.
ISOC Once Again Puts Thailand’s Government Between the People and the Military
By Mark S. Cogan
Thai progressives have long called for the abolition of the military's notorious Internal Security Operations Command. But don't expect it to happen under the current government.
Rare Earths in the South China Sea: Adding Fuel to the Geopolitical Fire
By Tobias Burgers and Scott N. Romaniuk
Competition for rare-earth mineral wealth on the seafloor could lead to further tensions and even conflict.
Malaysia Says It Won’t Recognize Unilateral Sanctions on Supporters of Hamas
By Sebastian Strangio
Anwar Ibrahim has again said that his government would resist any outside pressure to declare Hamas a terrorist organization.
3 Takeaways From Indonesia’s Just Energy Transition Roadmap
By James Guild
Will the market-based mechanism of the Just Energy Transition Partnership be able to match funding with feasible renewable energy projects?
Indonesian Chief Justice Dismissed for ‘Serious’ Ethics Violation
By Sebastian Strangio
Anwar Usman should have recused himself from a Constitutional Court ruling that allowed President Joko Widodo's son, his nephew by marriage, to run in next year's presidential election.
Thailand’s Buffet Cabinet 2.0: A Case of Political Indigestion
By Douglas Rhein and William Jones
With a reformist opposition gathering strength, Thai officials may see the current government as the last chance to gorge themselves at the public's expense.
‘Destabilization’ and Disunity in the Philippine Government
By Mong Palatino
Turbulence in Congress and allegations of dissent among the military leadership have undermined President Marcos' "unity" administration.