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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.
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.
Amid COVID-19 Crisis, UK Calls for Humanitarian Pause in Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
The country currently faces a fatal combination of political upheaval, stalled vaccination efforts, and escalating outbreaks of the virus.
Defense: Former Khmer Rouge Official Not Guilty of Genocide
By Sopheng Cheang and David Rising
Khieu Samphan's lawyers have called for judges to dismiss the genocide conviction handed down against him in 2018.
How Rodrigo Duterte Permanently Changed Philippine Elections
By Mong Palatino
The Philippine president's barnstorming run to the presidency has inspired a raft of imitators. Can any succeed?
Escapades in Papua: Understanding JAD’s Attempts in Indonesia’s Easternmost Province
By Alif Satria
A deeper analysis of the recent arrests of JAD members in Papua suggests that they were independent efforts rather than the result of a coordinated expansion.
Malaysian Lawmakers Set to Vote on Next Prime Minister
By Sebastian Strangio
So who will replace Muhyiddin as Malaysia’s next prime minister? Several potential horses are nosing their way toward the starting line.
Despite COVID-19, Indonesian President Pledges to Continue With Economic Reforms
By Sebastian Strangio
President Joko Widodo said that the development of infrastructure and "quality human capital" will remain priorities for the remainder of his second term.
Malaysia’s Muhyiddin Finally Steps Down As Prime Minister
By Alifah Zainuddin
Whoever takes Muhyiddin’s place will inherit an unresolved political crisis, in addition to a worsening public health emergency.
Former Khmer Rouge Head of State Begins Genocide Appeal
By Sebastian Strangio
Khieu Samphan's legal team are seeking the dismissal of the genocide conviction handed down by the U.N.-backed court in 2018.
Laos-China Railway on Track for December Opening: Official
By Sebastian Strangio
The completion of the railway will deepen China's influence over the landlocked nation of seven million.