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.
Cambodia Hires Beltway Lobby Group to Boost Ailing International Reputation
By Sebastian Strangio
The hire is a clear recognition by Cambodia's government that it needs to repair its ties to the U.S. But will it work?
Malaysia to Seek Chinese ‘Views’ on New AUKUS Security Pact
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement came after the Malaysian PM said the new security pact could be a “catalyst for a nuclear arms race in the Indo-Pacific region.”
China Courts Vietnam With More COVID-19 Vaccines, Mistrust Remains
By Hai Hong Nguyen
China’s actual donation of COVID-19 vaccines to Vietnam has already been outmatched by the United States.
Protecting Indonesia’s Sovereignty in the North Natuna Sea
By Beni Sukadis
The recent entry of Chinese vessels into Indonesia's EEZ highlights the need for Jakarta to get serious about protecting its sovereignty.
US Court Orders Facebook to Hand Over Deleted Anti-Rohingya Content
By Sebastian Strangio
In a ruling, the court stated that Facebook’s citing of a privacy provision to withhold the records from Myanmar was “rich with irony.”
AUKUS: The View from ASEAN
By Laura Southgate
The new trilateral security partnership has highlighted the bloc's inability to speak with one voice.
In UN Speech, Duterte Promises Accountability for ‘Drug War’ Excesses
By Sebastian Strangio
The promise came a week after the International Criminal Court announced a probe into the violent anti-drug campaign.
The Election Bells are Again Ringing Early in Cambodia
By Luke Hunt
Charges against a political analyst were dropped on the urging of a Zoom-bombing prime minister.
Low Vaccination Rates are Hurting Southeast Asia’s Economy: ADB
By Sebastian Strangio
According to the bank, the uneven progress of vaccinations is "contributing to the divergence of growth paths in developing Asia."
Manila Mayor, Ex-Scavenger and Actor, to Seek Presidency
By Associated Press
Mayor Isko Moreno joins the crowded race to succeed President Rodrigo Duterte.
How Will the Taliban Affect Violent Extremism in Mindanao?
By Kenneth Yeo
Violent extremists in the southern Philippines have generally remained aloof from global jihadist currents, but Manila should not be complacent.
Laos Tightens COVID-19 Restrictions as Infections Reach New Peak
By Sebastian Strangio
Like many of its neighbors, the nation has struggled to contain recent outbreaks of the Delta variant of COVID-19.