Archive
June 2022
Indonesia Shuts Down Bar Chain Following Blasphemy Controversy
By Sebastian Strangio
Blasphemy prosecutions have become more common over the past two decades, undermining Indonesia's reputation as a moderate Islamic state.
As Cyber Threats Grow, Indonesia’s Data Protection Efforts Are Falling Short
By Estey Chen
Bureaucratic rivalry and overlapping mandates have prevented the country from pushing ahead with a planned data protection bill.
ASEAN Special Envoy Begins Second Official Mission to Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
Prak Sokhonn's five-day visit will involve meetings with regime figures and members of select ethnic armed groups, but significant progress is unlikely.
Japan Pushes for Stronger Cooperation to Counter China at G7
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan's prime minister stressed that Russia and China pose similar threats to the rules-based international order.
Hong Kong’s Dismantled Society
By Michael Mo
The remaking of Hong Kong includes weakening or disbanding political representation down to the neighborhood level.
China’s Baidu Races Waymo, GM to Develop Self-driving Cars
By Joe McDonald
Baidu and a rival, Pony.ai, received China's first licenses in April to operate taxis with no one in the driver's seat but with a safety supervisor on board.
What Do the Pacific Island Countries Think About China?
Henry Ivarature, Lice Movono, and Patricia O’Brien discuss the hopes and concerns Pacific Island governments – and people – have about China.
Uzbek Company Falls Afoul of Russia Sanctions
By Catherine Putz
In listing an Uzbekistan-based company, the U.S. State Department has a warning: “If you do business with sanctioned entities or individuals, you risk exposure to sanctions.”
Nepal Plans to Lower Age at Marriage
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
The minimum age was set higher to ensure that girls finish school, become independent and make informed choices. Will the proposed change reverse the gains achieved?
Russia’s Putin Makes First Trip Abroad Since Invasion, to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan
By Catherine Putz
The warm welcome in Dushanbe and meetings around the Caspian table in Ashgabat were a chance for Putin to reaffirm his network of partners at a critical moment.
China’s Directed Energy Weapons and Counterspace Applications
By Oskar Glaese
China's non-kinetic physical anti-satellite weapons, including DEWs, will play a critical part in future warfare.
Opinion Poll Reveals Australian Public’s Collapsing Trust in China
By Sebastian Strangio
The latest Lowy Institute public opinion survey found that the public feels less safe in 2022, due to China's growing power and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.