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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.
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.
The Kachin Insurgency Could Deal a Heavy Blow to Myanmar’s Military Junta
By Drake Avila
The KIA threat to Hpakant and Myitkyina could cut off the military from the lucrative jade trade.
Malaysian King Picks Ex-Deputy PM as Nation’s New Leader
By Eileen Ng
The appointment of Ismail Sabri Yaakob restores the United Malays National Organization to its accustomed position of power.
Singapore Announces First No-Quarantine Travel Scheme
By Sebastian Strangio
The travel arrangements with Germany and Brunei are part of the city-state's plan of becoming a “COVID-19 resilient nation.”
Malaysia’s Longest-Governing Party Seems Set to Reclaim PM Post
By Eileen Ng
Deputy Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob seems set to be appointed Malaysia's next prime minister.
The Last Stand by Pol Pot’s Last Man
By Luke Hunt
"No what matter what you decide I will die in prison… that’s the end," Khieu Samphan told the court.
Myanmar Post-Coup Death Toll Tops 1,000: Activist Group
By Sebastian Strangio
The country passes a grim milestone with no clear solution to its political crisis in sight.
COVID-19: A Catalyst for Rising Inequality in Thailand
By Tita Sanglee
The current COVID-19 outbreak has exacerbated the country's already wide gap between rich and poor.
Southeast Asia Facing ‘Critical’ Weeks in COVID-19 Fight: Red Cross
By Sebastian Strangio
In recent weeks, the region has seen more than twice as many deaths from the coronavirus than North America.
Cambodian Court Imprisons Prominent Union Leader for Border Comments
By Sebastian Strangio
The case highlights the extreme nationalist sensitivities that continue to surround the issue of Vietnamese influence in Cambodia.