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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.
Can Jakarta Governor Ahok Escape Indonesia’s Blasphemy Law?
By Tobias Basuki
Ahok's fate will have huge implications for Indonesia's future as a pluralistic democracy.
The Fault Lines in Vietnam's Next Political Struggle
By Zachary Abuza
Infighting ahead of the next mid-term Congress is already visible.
Thailand’s Draconian Cyber Law Sparks Rights Fears
By Mong Palatino
Revised law could be yet another blow to freedoms.
Making Indonesia an Agrarian Nation Again
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and Muhammad Beni Saputra
Indonesia needs to take better care of its farmers.
In ASEAN, Holidays Are Far From Happy
By Luke Hunt
Across Southeast Asia, the holidays are a reminder of the many problems the region still faces.
What’s the Deal With China-Philippines Military Ties?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The shape of defense cooperation between the two sides is becoming increasingly clear.
US Companies Face an LGBT Challenge in ASEAN
By Justin Sosne
Rising foreign investment is increasingly bumping up against growing intolerance.
China, Thailand Mull Joint Military Production Facility
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Move could be another advance for an expanding defense relationship.
What Will the Singapore-Malaysia High Speed Rail Project Mean?
By Ling Han
As the two countries move closer to realizing this project, it is worth looking at its potential significance.
The Trouble With Timor-Leste’s Gender Quotas
By David Hutt
The devil lies in the details.
What Did the Philippines’ Duterte Achieve in Cambodia?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
A look at some of the deliverables from the visit.
Indonesia's Global Maritime Fulcrum: An Updated Archipelagic Outlook?
By I.G.B. Dharma Agastia
The previous Archipelagic Outlook strategy was inward focused; the new policy looks beyond Indonesia's borders.