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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.
Why Communist Anti-Corruption Campaigns Never Work
By David Hutt
Ongoing anti-graft campaigns in Vietnam and Laos focus on officials' moral conduct without addressing the political structures that incentivize corruption.
The Myanmar Public Fights Not to End Up Like Thailand
By Oren Samet
Myanmar’s army chief wanted a Thai-style coup. What he got was an uprising.
Details Emerge of Indonesia’s ASEAN Push on Myanmar Crisis
By Sebastian Strangio
The mooted plan would involve holding the junta to its plan of holding free and inclusive elections in a year's time.
Vietnam Appoints Military Officer as Propaganda Chief
By Sebastian Strangio
Nguyen Trong Nghia previously oversaw the creation of a 10,000-strong army cyber unit to combat anti-government sentiment online.
Myanmar Protests Continue to Grow Despite Junta Threats
By Sebastian Strangio
After three weeks, tensions between the military and the anti-coup protest movement are beginning to rise.
Woman Shot During Protest Against Myanmar Coup Dies
By Associated Press
Shot last week by police during a demonstration in Naypyitaw, Mya Thwet Thwet Khine died Friday.
Malaysian Court Finds News Portal Guilty Over Readers’ Comments
By Associated Press
The publication's editor-in-chief said that the ruling would have "a chilling effect on freedom of expression in Malaysia."
Rights Groups Attack Malaysia’s ‘Abhorrent’ Deportation Plan
By Sebastian Strangio
Shortly after its coup d'etat, Myanmar's military junta offered to help Malaysian authorities deport some 1,200 people.
Cambodia’s Surviving Opposition Politicians Regroup Ahead of Elections
By Luke Hunt
Former Prime Minister Prince Norodom Ranariddh is back in the political arena, but his chance of success is small.
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.
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.