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.
September 14, 2020
Why Are Filipinos Celebrating a Former Dictator?
By Sebastian Strangio
The rehabilitation of Ferdinand Marcos is a sign of the public's continuing discontent with the status quo.
September 14, 2020
Three-Horse Race for Vietnam’s Next Communist Party Chief
By David Hutt
As the Communist Party of Vietnam moves toward its next National Congress, the list of candidates for key posts is narrowing.
September 14, 2020
How Meaningful is the New US-Mekong Partnership?
By Sebastian Strangio
The recently announced multilateral framework is a welcome – but limited – check on China's expanding influence in the Mekong region.
September 11, 2020
Controversial China Projects Reveal Philippine Rifts
By Sebastian Strangio
Two more recent deals highlight the contradictions that have resulted from the Duterte administration's "pivot to China."
September 11, 2020
In Myanmar, a Leading Conglomerate is Funding Military Abuses
By Sebastian Strangio
A new report argues that a military-linked conglomerate – and its foreign partners – are directly funding units accused of crimes against humanity.
September 10, 2020
Filipino Health Workers Protest Overseas Work Restrictions
By Nick Aspinwall
A nurses’ group has called for the government to lift a deployment ban imposed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 10, 2020
At ASEAN Meetings, US, China Spar Over Maritime Disputes
By Sebastian Strangio
The alternating diplomatic salvos highlight to degree to which the South China Sea has become a flashpoint of superpower tensions.
September 10, 2020
Post-EBA, Cambodia Needs to Jettison its ‘Double Standard’ Narrative
By Kimkong Heng
Harping on the EU's 'unfair' withdrawal of trade preferences will do nothing to address the serious challenges facing the country.
September 10, 2020
Aceh Offers Sanctuary to Rohingya After Grueling Sea Voyage
By Sebastian Strangio
The gesture of humanity casts into stark relief the challenges facing a resolution to the humanitarian emergency in Rakhine State.
September 09, 2020
ASEAN Kicks Off Cluster of Virtual Summits
By Sebastian Strangio
COVID-19 recovery and escalating US-China tensions are expected to dominate the meetings’ agendas.
September 09, 2020
Thailand’s Post-Pandemic Dance Between the Major Powers
By Daniele Carminati
As the threat of COVID-19 fades, Thailand will face tough choices in its regional and international alignments.
September 09, 2020
Myanmar Soldiers Confess to Rakhine Atrocities
By Sebastian Strangio
The graphic videotaped admissions mark a step towards international accountability – but there is a long way to go.