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.
Why the New Sri Lanka-Singapore Free Trade Pact Matters
By Ganeshan Wignaraja and Divya Hundlani
A closer look at a significant agreement between the two sides.
Why the Laos Wage Hike Debate Matters
By Erin Cook
A closer look at an important issue for one of the region's poorest countries.
Has China Bought Brunei’s South China Sea Silence?
By Luke Hunt
The questions raised on the issue reflect broader concerns about how the sultanate conducts itself at home and abroad.
Bangsamoro Peace Process Complicated by Philippine Politics
By Eugene Mark
Despite Duterte’s drams of federalism, the establishment of a Bangsamoro Autonomous Region has stalled.
What’s Next for Japan-Brunei Relations in 2018?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
A recent visit offered some indications as to what we might expect for ties for the rest of the year and beyond.
ASEAN’s Role in Japan’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
By Prashanth Parameswaran
A visit this week reinforced the importance of Southeast Asia in Japan’s regional vision.
What’s Behind Myanmar’s Big New Military Exercise?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The holding of the first tri-service exercise in over two decades needs to be viewed from a broader perspective.
After Targeted Sanctions, It’s Time to Engage With Myanmar’s Moderates
By Hunter Marston
The U.S. can encourage long-term, practical reform through the deft application of carrots and sticks.
What Does Indonesia’s Own Indo-Pacific Strategy Look Like?
By Erin Cook
The Southeast Asian state has advanced a version of the concept before, with some important differences.
The State of Human Security in Cambodia
By Pascale Hunt
Questioning the success of the UN’s peacebuilding blueprint.
Don’t Expect Democracy in Thailand Anytime Soon
By Pavin Chachavalpongpun
Repeated election delays are the product of a fierce power struggle that is still ongoing.
Beyond the Rohingya: Myanmar’s Other Crises
By Gavin Kelleher
With Rakhine state in the international spotlight, Myanmar’s abuses in Kachin state continue with little global notice.