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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.
Halloween: A Time To Ask What Truly Scares Us
By Aisyah Llewellyn
While not being native to Southeast Asia, analogues to the the American holiday exist in many parts of the region.
Why Pressuring Thailand on North Korea Misses the Mark
By Tita Sanglee
Despite a consistent, albeit minuscule, economic relationship, Bangkok has little meaningful leverage over Pyongyang.
Vietnamese Court Sentences Dissident Blogger to 12 Years in Prison
By Sebastian Strangio
Duong Van Thai was allegedly kidnapped last year in Thailand, where he had sought political asylum.
Indonesia’s Prabowo to Visit China, US on First Foreign Trip
By Sebastian Strangio
The new president will embark on a five-nation overseas tour that will also take him to Peru, Brazil, and the United Kingdom.
Malaysian Court Rules Evidence Sufficient for Second 1MDB Trial to Proceed
By Sebastian Strangio
Former Prime Minister Najib Razak has been ordered to enter his defense against four charges of abuse of power and 21 charges of money laundering.
EU Announces Sanctions on Myanmar Militia Involved in Online Scams
By Sebastian Strangio
The European Council has targeted three individuals and one entity associated with the Karen Border Guard Force, which controls a large territory in Karen State.
In Senate Testimony, Former Philippine President Duterte Defends ‘Drug War’
By Sebastian Strangio
Rodrigo Duterte said that he had "no apologies, no excuses" for the campaign of violence, which involved thousands of extrajudicial killings.
Why Vietnam Doesn’t Have to Worry About the Outcome of the US Election
By Khang Vu
The country's omnidirectional foreign policy doctrine cushions it from changes in the domestic affairs of key partner states.
House Arrest Bill Not Related to Najib Case, Malaysia’s Government Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The timing of the proposed law has given rise to speculation that it might be used to free former Prime Minister Najib Razak from prison.
Indonesia’s President Prabowo Inaugurates Cabinet With Military-Style Retreat
By Sebastian Strangio
The 73-year-old former general says that the four-day retreat was intended to instill unity among his sprawling cabinet.
With Public Tirade, Philippine Vice President Further Widens Rift With Marcos Clan
By Ben Sturt
Sara Duterte's open declaration of war against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his allies threatens to paralyze the Philippine government.
Massacres of Civilians Are Becoming a Tragic Norm in Myanmar
By Luke Hunt
The military has reportedly killed another 25 people, including women and children, in retaliation for resistance gains in Sagaing Region.