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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.
Indonesia Leading ASEAN Push on Myanmar Coup
By Sebastian Strangio
Given its own history of transition from military rule, Indonesia is probably the nation best placed to lead the bloc's diplomacy on Myanmar.
Malaysia Ex-PM’s Wife Ordered to Make Defense in Graft Trial
By Associated Press
The trial has shed additional light on the important role that the Malaysian First Lady played during her husband's time in office.
Cambodia’s Ball-and-Chain of Corruption and Inequality
By David Hutt
COVID-19 offered the Cambodian government an opportunity to curb the worst excesses of corruption. Instead, things went in the other direction.
Extending its Crackdown, Cambodia Unveils Internet Gateway
By Sebastian Strangio
The proposed National Internet Gateway would give the CPP government a new tool for quashing critical online commentary.
Thailand’s Creeping Digital Authoritarianism
By Brian Nemo and Gerard McDermott
Since the military coup of 2014, Thailand has developed one of the most sophisticated systems of digital surveillance in Southeast Asia.
Chinese Official Denies ‘Prior Knowledge’ of Myanmar Coup
By Sebastian Strangio
There is little reason to doubt Beijing's claim that the coup and ensuing crisis is "not what China wants to see.”
Was Myanmar’s Coup Legal? And Does it Matter?
By Sebastian Strangio
For most of Myanmar's modern history, the law has been shaped by the army's power and interests rather than the other way around.
Myanmar Protests Resume After Second Night of Internet Shutdown
By Associated Press
The protests come ahead of a scheduled court appearance by Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday.
Myanmar Protests Reveal Burgeoning Regional Civil Society
By Quah Say Jye
The Myanmar coup has revealed the lack of democratic resilience in Asia, but also the growing solidarity and strength of the region's civil society.
Mekong Takes on Bluish Tinge as Water Levels Again Fall
By Sebastian Strangio
The fall in water levels has again raised questions about the activities of Chinese dam engineers upstream.
Khomeini in the Archipelago: Iranian Interests and Influence in Indonesia
By Maxwell Lowe
Despite rising anti-Shia sentiment within Indonesia, Tehran has quietly built its relations with Jakarta.
Myanmar Junta Arms Itself With Repressive New Laws
By Sebastian Strangio
The changes come amid an intensification of the nationwide protests against the February 1 coup.