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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.
Anwar Ibrahim’s ‘Postnormal Times MADANI Exhibition’ Aims to Change Malaysia’s Conversation
By Amrita Malhi
The Kuala Lumpur exhibition challenges the exclusionary narratives advanced by the Malay right-wing. But are the country’s two political camps talking past each other?
Indonesia’s Constitutional Court Voids Threshold for Presidential Nominations
By Sebastian Strangio
The ruling is likely to allow a wider range of candidates to run for the presidency at the next election in 2029.
Myanmar Military Junta Enacts Repressive New Cybersecurity Bill
By Sebastian Strangio
Among the law's provisions is a ban on the provision of virtual private networks (VPNs), which are frequently used to circumvent internet controls.
Malaysian Police Arrest Satirical Artist Over Caricatures of Sabah Governor
By Sebastian Strangio
Fahmi Reza is being investigated under the Sedition Act for making fun of newly appointed state governor Musa Aman.
Why Economic Nationalism Was the Biggest Story of 2024 in Southeast Asia
By James Guild
The steps taken by the region's governments over the last year should be seen as a response to a wider trend toward protectionism.
Ethnic Rebel Group Announces Seizure of Key Town in Western Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
The Arakan Army says that it is ready to engage in "political dialogue" and vowed to safeguard foreign investments in Rakhine State.
No Evidence Thai Banks Facilitated Myanmar Arms Purchases, Government Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The U.N. human rights office claims that the country has become a leading source of banking services to Myanmar’s military junta.
Cambodia Imprisons Leading Opposition Figure For ‘Incitement’
By Sebastian Strangio
Sun Chanthy, the ex-president of the new Nation Power Party, has been convicted for criticizing government policy on social media.
Philippines Defends Plan to Acquire Typhon Missile System From US
By Sebastian Strangio
China has condemned Manila's planned acquisition, which it says poses a "substantial threat to regional peace and security."
Grasping Thailand’s Northern Border Conundrum
By Tita Sanglee
Recent encroachments by the China-backed United Wa State Army (UWSA) have presented Bangkok with some tricky decisions.
5 Factors That Catapulted Arakan Army to Unprecedented Success Against the Myanmar Military
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
The AA has entered into alliances and built on terrain and other advantages to emerge as a formidable organization in Rakhine State.
Of Diplomacy and Gaffes: Making Sense of Prabowo and Anwar’s China Visits
By Rahul Mishra and Harshit Prajapati
Southeast Asian leaders face considerable challenges in balancing nationalistic positions with the complexities of engaging China at the highest levels.