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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.
Thai Protesters Return to the Streets After 3-Month Hiatus
By Sebastian Strangio
Demonstrators renewed their calls for charter reform and the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Mekong Development Zones Facilitating Illicit Activities: Report
By Sebastian Strangio
In recent years, EDZs have proliferated across the lower Mekong region as its governments have sought to attract foreign investment and fire up their economies.
Philippine Democracy Scion, Ex-President Benigno Aquino Dies
By Jim Gomez
The former Philippine president, in office from 2010 to 2016, was the heir to a family legacy of opposition to authoritarianism.
Loud and Proud: Resisting Authoritarianism in the Philippines
By Rosanna Langara
The country's LGBTQ+ community has mobilized to oppose the Duterte administration's authoritarian turn.
Junta Forces Clash With Civilian Militia in Myanmar’s Second City
By Sebastian Strangio
The clashes in Mandalay mark a significant escalation of the crisis prompted by the coup on February 1.
Cambodia Charges Eco-Activists With Conspiracy, Royal Defamation
By Sebastian Strangio
The three activists are the latest victims of the government's war against the advocacy group Mother Nature Cambodia.
Duterte Gives the Philippines a Choice: COVID-19 Jabs or Jail
By Sebastian Strangio
Duterte's threat speaks to the concerns that the country may fail to achieve the widespread coverage required to halt transmission of the virus.
British Foreign Minister Begins 3-Nation Southeast Asian Trip
By Sebastian Strangio
As part of the U.K.’s increasing focus “east of Suez,” Dominic Raab will make stops in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Singapore.
Myanmar Junta Chief Arrives in Russia for Security Conference
By Sebastian Strangio
The trip came just days after the U.N. called on member states "to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar.”
Vietnam Formulates Nationwide Code of Conduct for Social Media
By Sebastian Strangio
Whether or not it is enforceable, the move hints at Hanoi’s desire for tight control over what its citizens say and do online.
USAID Cuts Support to Flagship Forest Protection Project in Cambodia
By Sebastian Strangio
The Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary has lost 9 percent of its forest to logging operations since 2016.
Malaysia’s King Calls for the Reopening of Parliament
By Sebastian Strangio
The country's legislature has been suspended under a state of emergency imposed in January.