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.
January 14, 2020
Singapore’s First Terrorism Financing Charge Case in the Headlines
By Prashanth Parameswaran
An important case spotlighted the country’s ongoing challenge to counter terrorism.
January 14, 2020
Thailand: Thousands Run Against Dictatorship in Big Political Demonstration
By Associated Press
A protest in the Thai capital over the weekend constituted one of the biggest political demonstrations of its kind in years.
January 13, 2020
What Does Xi Jinping’s First Visit Mean for China-Myanmar Relations?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
While Xi’s first trip to the country as president will be long on deliverables, they will belie more complex realities undergirding overall ties.
January 13, 2020
Lava Gushes from Volcano Near Manila; Tens of Thousands Flee
By Associated Press
Frequent tremors and inflation of the Taal volcano indicate a major and much more dangerous eruption could still happen.
January 10, 2020
What Are Singapore’s Domestic Priorities for 2020?
By Siow Yue Chia
A look at some of the key issues confronting the Southeast Asian state this year and beyond.
January 10, 2020
Deadly Clash Highlights Vietnam’s Land Dispute Challenge
By Associated Press
The incident was just the latest flare up in a simmering dispute, and it spotlights a wider problem.
January 10, 2020
Jakarta Floods: Yet Another Reminder of Indonesia’s Capital Woes?
By Luke Hunt
The recent incident once again highlighted the woes facing the capital city amid plans to shift it.
January 10, 2020
A Gloomy Outlook for Thailand in 2020
By Erin Cook
The outlook for the year looks quite dim for the country due to a string of external and internal developments.
January 09, 2020
Malaysia 1MDB Scandal: Recordings Deepen Najib Scrutiny
By Associated Press
The audio recordings could mark a new blow to the former premier.
January 09, 2020
What Lies Ahead for Vietnam’s United Nations Security Council Stint?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
While this is a significant development for Hanoi’s foreign policy, it poses a mix of opportunities and challenges.
January 09, 2020
Malaysia-India Relations: What Does a Palm Oil Ban Mean Amid the Kashmir Dispute Fallout?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Reports of an effective ban are just the latest indicator of how an ongoing diplomatic row dating back to last year has complicated bilateral ties.
January 09, 2020
The Trouble With Indonesia’s Infrastructure Obsession
By Trissia Wijaya and Samuel Nursamsu
The state's narrative of economic development oversimplifies complex structural problems.