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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.
Myanmar Coup Leader: ‘Join Hands’ With Army for Democracy
By Associated Press
Anti-coup protesters are unlikely to be swayed by Sen. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing's call for unity.
Ripple Effects of Myanmar Coup Felt in India’s Northeast
By Thet Swe Aye and Bikash Kumar Bhattacharya
The February 1 coup has generated concern among Chin refugees in India's northeast, and could complicate the country's counterinsurgency efforts.
Why is the Kachin Independence Organization Keeping Silent on the Myanmar Coup?
By Joe Kumbun
From the insurgent group's perspective, it makes little difference who roams the halls of power in Naypyidaw.
Following Coup, US Targets Myanmar Military With Sanctions
By Sebastian Strangio
The sanctions seem designed to limit the impact on the public – but Myanmar's coup leaders are unlikely to yield.
Biden Administration Seeks to Stabilize US-Philippines Alliance
By Sebastian Strangio
The Biden administration is keen on shoring up its alliance with Philippines, but President Rodrigo Duterte remains the joker in the pack.
As Myanmar Protests Build, Crackdown Takes a Violent Turn
By Sebastian Strangio
The shootings raise the specter of a more concerted crackdown by a military that is no stranger to the use of deadly force.
Advancing Indonesia-Malaysia Relations Amid COVID-19
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Much of the quick visit of the Malaysian prime minister to Indonesia signaled continuity in relations rather than any major boost.
Myanmar’s Generals Reshape Regional Political Dynamics
By Luke Hunt
Min Aung Hlaing's seizure of power in Myanmar has shaken up the region's diplomatic balance.
Under Cover of Myanmar’s Coup, Neighboring Countries Continue Crackdowns
By Sebastian Strangio
Once again, Myanmar is the pariah state that relativizes the rest of the region’s abuses.
Police in Myanmar Crack Down on Crowds Defying Protest Ban
By Associated Press
So far, Myanmar's military government has demonstrated restraint, relatively speaking, in the face of growing protests.
What Myanmar’s Coup Reveals About the Country’s Contested Civil-Military Dynamics
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The coup exposed the fragility of the civil-military dynamics that have characterized the reforms of the past decade.
The Thai Playbook for Myanmar’s Coup Leaders
By Zachary Abuza
Myanmar's generals could look to their eastern neighbor for tips on how to preserve their hold on power.