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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.
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.
What’s Behind Cambodia’s Cancellation of Military Exercises with China?
By Sebastian Strangio
The cancellation, purportedly due to COVID-19, could be a peace offering to the Biden administration.
Report Shows Rising Southeast Asian Trust in US, Falling Trust in China
By Sebastian Strangio
Fear of China, and optimism about the Biden administration, underpin the shift in regional opinion toward the two superpowers.
Philippines Vaccine Program Hindered by Delays, Public Distrust
By Nick Aspinwall
The government’s mass vaccination start date is in flux, and Filipinos still harbor fears after a 2016 dengue vaccine scandal eroded public confidence in vaccinations.
Myanmar Junta Readies Draconian Cyber-Security Legislation
By Sebastian Strangio
The draft law is clearly intended to rein in the use of social media by the country's burgeoning Civil Disobedience Movement.