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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.
Is Timor-Leste Ready to Join ASEAN?
By Joao da Cruz Cardoso
If membership means sacrificing the country's values, perhaps it would be better to remain on the outside.
After Oil Project Collapse, Cambodia Seeks Return of Detained Tanker
By Sebastian Strangio
The tanker affair marks a strange end to Cambodia's quest for a domestic oil and gas industry.
Harris Says She Urged Vietnam to Free Political Dissidents
By Alexandra Jaffe
Harris said she spoke with Vietnamese leaders in particular about the release of political dissidents.
Myanmar’s Shadow Government Promises Justice for Rohingya Atrocities
By Sebastian Strangio
But will the National Unity Government ever be in a position to implement its pledge?
An Anti-Expertise, Anti-Science Attitude is Undermining Indonesia’s Pandemic Response
By Tangguh Chairil
The Indonesian government needs to jettison its hopes of a miracle cure to COVID-19, and listen to the advice of epidemiologists and health experts.
Leaked Murder Footage Puts Thailand’s Police on the Defensive
By Sebastian Strangio
The leaked footage has shone a spotlight on the impunity and corruption that festers at the heart of the Thai security state.
China’s Wedge Strategy Towards the US-Vietnam Partnership
By Khang Vu
Through a variety of measures, Beijing is seeking to reinforce Vietnam’s neutrality in the competition between the superpowers.
Thailand Legalizes Kratom, Popular Plant-based Painkiller
By Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul
The plant, native to Southeast Asia, is used as a mild stimulant and painkiller.
Malaysia’s New PM Calls For a Political Truce. Will He Succeed?
By Alifah Zainuddin
Newly-appointed prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob takes crucial first step towards a more inclusive political landscape.
Myanmar’s Anti-Junta Resistance Inflicting Rising Casualties: Report
By Sebastian Strangio
Nearly seven months since the coup, the armed resistance to the military junta continues to grow and expand.
What Does the Taliban Takeover Mean for Violent Extremism in Indonesia?
By Cameron Sumpter
The impact of Taliban rule on the country's security situation is unclear, but is likely to be less marked than in the 1980s and 1990s.
Vietnam Calls in Army, Introduces Strict Lockdowns in COVID-19 Epicenter
By Sebastian Strangio
Last year's successful containment efforts are proving less effective against the Delta variant of COVID-19.