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.
Indonesian President’s Son Defends Private Jet Use to Anti-Corruption Agency
By Sebastian Strangio
Kaesang Pangarep's luxurious trip to the United States has highlighted the privileges enjoyed by the country's political elite.
Death Toll From Typhoon Yagi Rises in Inundated Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
The disaster has increased scrutiny on international organizations' decision to engage with the military State Administration Council.
Duterte Could Face Charges Over Fugitive Preacher, Philippine Lawmaker Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Rodrigo Duterte reportedly bragged that he knew of the whereabouts of Apollo Quiboloy before his arrest on September 8.
Cambodia Frees Jailed Unionist Who Led NagaWorld Casino Strikes
By Sebastian Strangio
Chhim Sithar has vowed to continue fighting to improve wages and working conditions at the Phnom Penh entertainment complex.
Philippines to Maintain Constant Presence at Sabina Shoal, Coast Guard Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The withdrawal of the PCG's flagship has prompted some to claim that Beijing has forced Manila to back down at Sabina Shoal.
Indonesia, Vietnam Agree to Move Toward Diplomatic Upgrade
By Sebastian Strangio
Indonesia would become the eighth nation, and the first in ASEAN, to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with Hanoi.
A Novel Solution to Southeast Asia’s Coming Demographic Crisis
By David Hutt
The region's governments need to start thinking more creatively about how to address their aging populations.
Saffron Washing: The Myanmar Military’s Exploitation of Buddhism
By Showe Showe
Holding itself up as the sole defender of Burmese heritage, the military has long manipulated Buddhism for its political purposes.
Philippine Vice President Threatened With Impeachment Over Fund Misuse
By Mong Palatino
Sara Duterte’s refusal to answer queries from legislators over her office’s budget has some raising the prospect of an impeachment vote.
The Sanctioning of Ly Yong Phat: Milestone or Mirage?
By Jacob Sims
Will new U.S. sanctions on one of Cambodia’s most prominent state-affiliated kingpins signal a turning point for Cambodian state organized crime?
Death Toll Climbs to 199 in Vietnam as Typhoon’s Aftermath Brings Flash Floods and Landslides
By Hau Dinh and David Rising
Following Typhoon Yagi, the flooding in Hanoi has been reportedly the worst in two decades.
Defund Indonesia’s Deadly Peat Fires
By Refki Saputra
Massive financial flows from abroad have directly fueled the vast scale of peatland conversion and resulting fires in Indonesia.