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.
October 11, 2021
EU Parliament Voices Support for Myanmar’s Opposition Government
By Sebastian Strangio
Despite the motion, Western support for the National Unity Government is likely to remain informal and unofficial.
October 11, 2021
Malaysia Lifts Ban On Interstate, Overseas Travel In Transition To Endemic Phase
By Alifah Zainuddin
The next few weeks will reveal if the country is prepared for a COVID-19 endemic phase, or if it will experience another wave of hospitalizations.
October 11, 2021
UN Strikes Deal for Access to Bangladeshi Refugee Island
By Sebastian Strangio
The arrangement will grant UNHCR an official presence on Bhasan Char, which has been criticized for its remoteness and vulnerability to extreme weather.
October 09, 2021
Philippine Journalist Maria Ressa Awarded 2021 Nobel Peace Prize
By Kiko Rosario, Frank Jordans, and Vanessa Gera
Ressa and Dmitry Muratov of Russia won the Nobel Peace Prize for their fight for freedom of expression in countries where reporters have faced persistent attacks and even murder.
October 08, 2021
Is ASEAN Ready for the Disasters of Tomorrow?
By Alistair D.B. Cook and Christopher Chen
ASEAN has recognized the value of cutting-edge technologies to predict and address natural disasters. But much more can be done to implement these solutions.
October 08, 2021
Ramping up Inoculation Drive, Indonesia Approves Fourth Chinese Vaccine
By Sebastian Strangio
The approval of the Zifivax jab is set to add further momentum to the country's vaccine rollout, but serious obstacles remain
October 08, 2021
Vietnam’s Hidden Debts to China Expose its Political Risks
By Zachary Abuza and Phuong Vu
Although Vietnam's Chinese debt burden is low compared to some of its neighbors, it is still a worry for the Communist Party mandarins in Hanoi.
October 08, 2021
Is the West Responsible for Southeast Asia’s Democratic Backsliding?
By Lasse Schuldt
Universal security narratives on fake news, terrorist financing, and foreign interference have been adopted across the region – with troubling effects on freedom of expression.
October 08, 2021
Philippine VP Leni Robredo Enters Crowded Presidential Ring
By Sebastian Strangio
The May 2022 poll is shaping up as a rematch of the close-run vice presidential race of 2016.
October 07, 2021
Malaysia Threatens to Open Talks With Myanmar Opposition Forces
By Sebastian Strangio
Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah once again condemned the junta's lack of cooperation on the implementation of an ASEAN consensus agreement.
October 07, 2021
Cambodia Considers Dual Citizenship Ban for High Office Holders
By Sebastian Strangio
The knee-jerk move followed a newspaper report – later corrected – that Prime Minister Hun Sen had acquired Cypriot citizenship.
October 07, 2021
Is ASEAN at Fault for Rising Indo-Pacific Tensions?
By David Hutt
Through its dithering and lack of unity, the bloc has opened a space for further interference from outside powers.