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.
Who Will Be Jokowi’s New Vice President in Indonesia’s 2019 Elections?
By Erin Cook
A closer look at some of the candidates who could fill the role.
Vietnam-Thailand Defense Ties in the Headlines With Bilateral Visit
By Prashanth Parameswaran
A closer look at what a recent interaction means in the context of the security cooperation ongoing between the two sides.
Helicopter Deal Puts Russia-Laos Defense Relations in Focus
By Prashanth Parameswaran
A closer look at a recent development in the context of bilateral security ties.
Myth-Busting Chinese FDI in the Philippines
By Alvin A. Camba
Public imagination has a distorted picture of what Chinese FDI looks like. It’s much more than the “Belt and Road.”
Putting out the Fire: The Water Dispute Between Malaysia and Singapore
By Divya Ryan
Water has been one of the most contentious items in recent bilateral relations between the two countries.
Upgrading Conventional Railways in Asia: A Practical Alternative to High Speed Rail?
By Wu Shang-su
Rather than go all in on HSR now, Southeast Asian countries could focus on upgrading their current narrow gauge systems.
Vietnam-Japan Relations in the Spotlight with Defense Dialogue
By Prashanth Parameswaran
A closer look at what a recent interaction meant for the broader bilateral relationship.
What’s Next for Malaysia-Philippines Relations Under Mahathir?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
A closer look at the future prospects of ties under the new Malaysian government.
Singapore-France Defense Cooperation in Focus with Air Force Base Detachment Anniversary
By Prashanth Parameswaran
A recent summit meeting highlighted the defense component of ties between the two countries.
Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi and the Cult of Personality
By David I. Steinberg
Aung San Suu Kyi's cult of personality is continuously projected within Myanmar even while it expires internationally.
Vietnam’s Experiment With E-Government
By Linh Tong and Linh Tong
The country got a late start, but is expanding its digital government services.
Another Violent Spike in Duterte’s Drug War
By Erin Cook
Recent weeks have seen another rise in violence that has placed greater scrutiny on the Philippine president and his methods.