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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.
What the US and North Korea Can Learn From Singapore
By Chirag Agarwal
Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un could both learn a few things from this “little red dot” in Southeast Asia.
What’s Next for the Alleged Australia Spy in a Cambodia Prison?
By Luke Hunt
James Ricketson, who has endured more than a year behind bars, is expected to know his fate soon.
Where Are ASEAN’s Defense Initiatives Under Singapore’s Chairmanship?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The recent iteration of the Shangri-La Dialogue provided an update of key security items the city-state is advancing.
Could Cambodia’s Minor Parties Play a Major Role in its 2018 Election?
By David Hutt
The potential importance of smaller parties in upcoming polls should not be overlooked.
What’s in the New Vietnam-South Korea Defense Pact?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
A recent agreement was just the latest move by both sides to strengthen their security ties.
A New Digital Iron Curtain in Cambodia?
By Luke Hunt
An ongoing media crackdown looks set to intensify even further.
Where is the New Japan-Philippines Military Helicopter Deal?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
A potentially significant agreement on spare parts appears to be moving forward.
Timor-Leste: The Challenges of Democracy and Development
By Jonas Guterres
Timor-Leste needs to exemplify in practice the values preached by its leaders to international audiences.
Thailand’s Migrant Workers in a Changing Legal System
By Maximillian Morch
12 months after a controversial Royal Ordinance on foreign laborers, how have things changed for Thailand’s migrant workforce?
The Untold Story of Indonesian Deforestation
By Muhammad Beni Saputra
What’s happened to Indonesia’s forests?
Despite International Pressure, 2 Journalists Remain Behind Bars in Myanmar
By Sarah Schulman
The trial of Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo continues to drag on with no end in sight.
Indonesia’s New Attack Helicopters Put Spotlight on US-Indonesia Defense Ties
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The two sides held a ceremony last week to commemorate another completed delivery of military equipment.