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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.
Cambodia Told to Shut Down ‘Slave Compounds’ After Warnings From Asian Embassies
By Luke Hunt
The country's interior minister says he will end the crime wave in Sihanoukville by mid-year.
Malaysian Youth Vote in the Spotlight as Johor State Prepares for Election
By Sebastian Strangio
The election is the first to be held in Malaysia since a constitutional amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.
Does Timor-Leste’s Upcoming Election Herald a More Inclusive and Progressive Democracy?
By Li-Li Chen
Next week's election will feature more female candidates than ever, but their impact on the country's patriarchal cultural norms remains to be seen.
Philippines Pledges to Back US if Ukraine Conflict Spreads to Asia
By Sebastian Strangio
President Rodrigo Duterte reportedly pledged to grant the U.S. access to the former American Subic Bay naval station and Clark Air Base.
The Russian Invasion of Ukraine Through a Burmese Lens
By Naw Theresa
Watching the war unfold in Ukraine, many members of the anti-coup resistance see clear parallels to their own struggle.
Political Party Registrations Close Ahead of Cambodian Commune Election
By Sebastian Strangio
Seventeen parties have registered to compete for 11,622 commune council positions – but only one of them stands any chance.
Cambodia Announces Postponement of Special US-ASEAN Summit
By Sebastian Strangio
The March 28-29 meeting has been delayed due to scheduling clashes with some Southeast Asian governments.
Why Are Indonesian Netizens Expressing Support for Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine?
By Sebastian Strangio
The extent of the phenomenon is unclear, but it points to an abiding skepticism of Western policies and intentions.
Why Singapore Has Chosen to Impose Sanctions on Russia
By Xirui Li
Singapore's stance reflects its own perception of vulnerability and its concern for the fate of the world's small states.
Blaze in Rohingya Refugee Camp Leaves 2,000 Homeless
By Sebastian Strangio
The fire in Kutupalong, the world's largest refugee camp, was the sixth so far this year.
Myanmar Timber Exports Continue, Despite Western Sanctions: Report
By Sebastian Strangio
According to the environmental advocacy group Forest Trends, much more can be done to strangle the junta's access to natural resource revenues.
Hydropower Dams Have Had ‘Profound’ Impact on Mekong River, Monitor Claims
By Sebastian Strangio
A year of data from the Mekong Dam Monitor shows the extent of the impact on Southeast Asia's longest river.