Blog
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.
Trump’s Victory Will Test What’s Left of ASEAN’s Resolve
By Luke Hunt
Calls for an ASEAN reboot as the “Goldilocks” era comes to an end.
How Southeast Asia Responded to the US Presidential Election
By Meghan Murphy
The region's leaders appear to be taking the prospect of a second Donald Trump administration largely in their stride.
Famine Imminent in Myanmar’s Rakhine State as Economy Collapses, UN Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The UNDP is warning of an "unprecedented disaster" for the people of Rakhine, as fighting between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military drags on.
Thai PM Paetongtarn Meets Myanmar’s Junta Chief in Kunming
By Sebastian Strangio
The Pheu Thai government has pledged to play a more active role in the resolution of the conflict in Myanmar.
The Marcos-Duterte Rift in the Philippines is Getting Nastier and More Personal
By Mong Palatino
The political feud is likely to worsen as the country moves toward the 2025 midterm elections and 2028 presidential election.
Southeast Asia Needs Serious Money to Get to Net Zero
By Trang Nguyen
To achieve net zero emissions in Southeast Asia, addressing the significant financing gap is crucial, requiring bold targets and more international support.
Myanmar Junta Chief Embarks on First China Visit Since Coup
By Sebastian Strangio
Min Aung Hlaing's visit to Kunming seems to mark a watershed in Beijing's policy toward the country's civil war.
4 Thai Laborers Killed in Northern Israel, Thai Government Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on Tel Aviv to ensure that no more Thai workers are sent to high-risk areas.
Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia’s Mini-Mahathir, Isn’t ‘Father of the Nation’
By David Hutt
The Malaysian leader's response to recent developments in the 1MDB corruption scandal was tone-deaf and dismissive.
Sea Level Rise Is a Clear Threat to Malaysia
By Raksha Pandya-Wood and Azliyana Azhari
It is imperative that adaptation measures are implemented now to safeguard against future extreme climate events.
Indonesia’s Constitutional Court Orders Changes to Contentious Jobs Law
By Sebastian Strangio
Labor unions say the wide-ranging legislation, passed in 2020, could undermine vital worker protections.
Halloween: A Time To Ask What Truly Scares Us
By Aisyah Llewellyn
While not being native to Southeast Asia, analogues to the the American holiday exist in many parts of the region.