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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.
Central Sulawesi and Central Java Continue to be JI Strongholds
By Adlini Ilma Ghaisany Sjah
Jemaah Islamiyah remains the most active terrorist organization in Indonesia, even as its priority has shifted to preaching rather than conducting direct attacks.
Russia’s Putin Set to Visit Vietnam Next Week, Reports Claim
By Sebastian Strangio
The Russian leader is scheduled to make a short trip to the country on June 19-20, alongside a visit to North Korea.
Germany Faces a Balancing Act in Engaging with Prabowo’s Indonesia
By Tim Hildebrandt and Christopher J. Godwin
The former general, who is set to assume office in October, will present a stiff test of Berlin's values-based foreign policy.
Indonesia’s Prabowo Meets With US Secretary of State Over Gaza
By Sebastian Strangio
Incoming leader Prabowo Subianto seems set to play a more active international role than the current president.
Will Thailand’s Continued Political Instability Hamstring Its Economic Recovery?
By Sebastian Strangio
Three high-profile political court cases threaten to push the country into a new cycle of domestic political conflict.
Vietnam on Record Pace for Spratly Island Construction in 2024, Report Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Over the past six months, the country has reclaimed almost as much new land as it did in the previous two years combined, closing the gap with China's "island fortresses."
Was the CIA Director Recently in Phnom Penh?
By David Hutt
Whether or not William Burns visited Cambodia, as former PM Hun Sen seemed to claim, U.S.-China competition has set off an intelligence race in Southeast Asia.
Art Imitates Life in Indonesian Horror Film – But is Anyone Entertained?
By Aisyah Llewellyn
The hit film “Vina: Sebelum 7 Hari” drew its inspiration from the rape and murder of a 16-year-old girl in 2016, prompting accusations of bad taste.
Diesel Prices Leap Upward as Malaysia Begins Subsidy Reforms
By Sebastian Strangio
The government could face a political backlash over its plans to remove blanket fuel subsidies, which it claims are straining the national budget.
Thailand’s MFP Remains Defiant as Crucial Court Decision Looms
By Sebastian Strangio
The popular opposition party faces dissolution over its pledge to amend the country's severe lese-majeste law.
Duterte’s Ironic Free Speech Advocacy in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
The war of words between the Duterte and Marcos clans has made the former president an unlikely – and unconvincing – champion of free expression.
How the ‘Politics of Gratitude’ Inflames Cambodia-Vietnam Relations
By Huynh Tam Sang and Mai Vu Thao My
Some Vietnamese nationalists view Phnom Penh's decision to press ahead with a controversial canal project as a sign of ingratitude.