Archive
May 2022
As the World Looks Away, Violence Is on the Rise Again in Afghanistan
By Habib Khan Totakhil and Justine Fleischner
New data on violent trends in Afghanistan shows a marked shift in terrorism and violence toward women, journalists, and educators under Taliban rule.
Sri Lankan Troops Roll into the Capital After Violence, Protests
By Krishan Francis
Security forces have been ordered to shoot those deemed to be participating in violence.
Is Cambodia’s Government Ready to Tackle the Problems in Its Microfinance Sector?
By Molika Heng
Phnom Penh's attempts to relieve its worsening rural debt crisis are yet to have the intended effects.
ASEAN Leaders Arrive in US Ahead of Special Summit
By Sebastian Strangio
The question hanging over the two-day summit is whether the U.S. can avoid viewing its relations with Southeast Asia solely through the lens of its competition with China.
Lao Economy Grinding to a Halt as Fuel Crisis Deepens
By Sebastian Strangio
A plummeting currency, dwindling foreign reserves, and a spike in global oil prices have led to shortages across the country.
No Honeymoon for the Marcos Presidency?
By Mong Palatino
Despite his platform of national "unity," Ferdinand Jr.'s presidency will likely further polarize an already divided society.
The US-ASEAN Summit Should Prioritize Internet Freedom
By Michael Caster
Washington should use the upcoming Special Summit to take a firm stand against the rising digital authoritarianism in Southeast Asian nations.
A New Russian Gas Pipeline Is a Bad Idea for Mongolia
By Munkhnaran Bayarlkhagva
The Soyuz-Vostok pipeline, part of the larger Power of Siberia 2 project, will make Mongolia even more vulnerable to pressure from its autocratic neighbors.
The Ukraine War Might Kill China’s Nuclear No First Use Policy
By Denny Roy
Putin has used nuclear threats to prevent direct NATO intervention in the Ukraine War. Could China do the same in a Taiwan conflict?
Wary of Policy Shift, China Reaches out to South Korea’s New President
By Shannon Tiezzi
Beijing is showing its sunny side, in hopes of convincing Yoon Suk-yeol that cooperation is a better choice than the hard line he embraced on the campaign trail.
More Than Aid, Afghanistan Needs an Aid Management System
By Mohammad Qadam Shah
The Taliban are pursuing the same top-down governance and public finance management system that has failed Afghanistan for two decades.
Marcos Presidency Complicates US Efforts to Counter China
By David Rising and Jim Gomez
Marcos has been short on specifics about foreign policy, but in interviews he said he wanted to pursue closer ties with China,