Blog
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.
November 24, 2020
Aun Pornmoniroth Emerges as Potential Future Cambodian Prime Minister
By Luke Hunt
The Singapore model is still favored for a Cambodian political succession.
November 23, 2020
What the Philippines Can Learn from Myanmar’s Election
By Mong Palatino
Lesson #1: Stinging international rebukes over human rights abuses do not necessarily translate into fewer votes.
November 23, 2020
Could Vietnam Really Shut Down Facebook?
By Sebastian Strangio
Reports of recent threats notwithstanding, such a move would invite massive blowback from the public.
November 23, 2020
In Southeast Asia, Press Freedom Takes a Turn for the Orwellian
By David Hutt
Increasingly, journalists are being prosecuted not for publishing falsehoods – but for the potential consequences of their reporting.
November 19, 2020
In Malaysia, a Gargantuan Chinese-Backed Development Bites the Dust
By Sebastian Strangio
The Melaka Gateway project has languished since the 2018 election, when large Chinese investments came under close scrutiny.
November 18, 2020
Joe Biden’s Cambodian Sideshow
By Luke Hunt
On the cusp of the Biden administration, U.S. lawmakers are calling for fresh sanctions on Cambodia's government.
November 18, 2020
Thai Protesters, Police Clash as MPs Mull Charter Change
By Associated Press
The parliamentary session is Prime Minister Prayut's way of seizing the initiative after months of anti-government protesters.
November 18, 2020
UN Official Denounces ‘Circular Pattern’ of Repression in Cambodia
By Sebastian Strangio
Like many past statements of concern, the U.N. comments are likely to fall on deaf ears in Phnom Penh.
November 17, 2020
Donald Trump’s Prabowo Delusion
By James Guild
Donald Trump's refusal to concede echoes the aftermath of Indonesia's last election. But there are some crucial differences, too.
November 17, 2020
Thai Lawmakers Debate Demands for Constitutional Changes
By Associated Press
The government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is hoping to defuse protesters' calls for far-reaching reform.
November 17, 2020
Indonesia’s Quixotic Bid to Host the 2032 Olympics
By Sebastian Strangio
There is the question of Indonesia's bid can succeed. Then there's the question of whether it would be a good thing.
November 17, 2020
How Will Myanmar’s Election Affect Its Foreign Policy?
By Sebastian Strangio
The coming five-year term is likely to see a continuity of aims within more constrained parameters.