Blog
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.
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.
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,
Cambodia Polls Unlikely to be Credible and Transparent, Says Watchdog
By Sebastian Strangio
The June 5 commune and sangkat elections have been largely pre-scripted by the ruling CPP, but the international response could be something to watch.
Provisional Results Show Landslide Marcos Victory in Philippine Election
By Sebastian Strangio
Filipinos have decisively elected another Marcos and another Duterte to the nation’s two highest offices.
Marcos on the Brink of Victory as Filipinos Vote in Presidential Election
By Sebastian Strangio
As polling stations open across the country, the dictator's son seems set to be elected the country's 17th president.
Why ASEAN’s ‘Travel Corridor’ Falls Short for the Region’s Migrant Workers
By Thong Sariputta
As the case of Cambodia shows, the bloc’s new framework agreement fails to address the factors driving undocumented migration in Southeast Asia.
Vietnam Protests China’s Imposition of Annual South China Sea Fishing Ban
By Sebastian Strangio
Hanoi's Foreign Ministry described the May-August moratorium as "a violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty and territorial jurisdiction."
The Tangled Politics of Humanitarian Aid in Post-Coup Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
ASEAN has come under fire over a plan to channel its humanitarian assistance via the country's military junta.
World Bank-Linked Watchdog to Probe Alleged Cambodian Microfinance Abuses
By Sebastian Strangio
Two Cambodian civil society groups claim that "reckless" micro-lending has contributed to a brewing rural debt crisis.