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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.
Philippines Deploys Warship to Palawan Island, Facing South China Sea
By Sebastian Strangio
The deployment follows a string of stand-offs between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the disputed seaway.
Indonesia’s President Congratulates Successor-elect Following Decisive Victory
By Sebastian Strangio
The election of Prabowo Subianto bears a striking resemblance to the comeback victory of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2022.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, the Ex-General Who is Indonesia’s Next President?
By Victoria Milko
The ex-general's ascent to the presidency of Southeast Asia's most populous nation crowns a long and controversial career.
Southeast Asia’s Taiwan Scenario Stakes Go Far Beyond US-China Competition
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Apart from what Beijing or Washington might do or want, future contingencies could include a wide range of actions and responses by regional states.
Thai Activists Arrested After Royal Motorcade Confrontation
By Sebastian Strangio
The charges follow an incident over the weekend in which monarchy reform activists and ultra-royalists engaged in a public brawl in Bangkok.
Why Cambodia Needs to Incorporate More Women Into Its Foreign Policy Process
By Thong Sariputta
The country and the region would benefit from women's greater involvement in diplomacy and foreign affairs.
Prabowo Subianto Claims Victory in Indonesian Presidential Election
By Sebastian Strangio
With unofficial results pointing to a landslide victory, attention turns to how the former special forces commander plans to govern.
Defense Minister Prabowo Holds Strong Lead in Early Counts of Indonesia’s Presidential Race
By Niniek Karmini and Edna Tarigan
The unofficial quick count results have the former general on track to avoid a run-off in the three-way race for president.
Myanmar’s NUG Condemns Military Conscription Drive, Vows to Resist
By Sebastian Strangio
The resistance group said that the public "is not required to comply" with the February 10 order.
What Thaksin Shinawatra’s Parole Says About Thai Politics
By Sebastian Strangio
The detained former PM's persecution and rehabilitation have both reflected the use of the country's administrative and legal system for political ends.
Why Vietnam Cannot Copy the Philippines’ China Policy
By Khang Vu
The country's awkward geographic position with China militates against it adopting a strong pro-U.S. orientation.
Jailed Former Thai PM Thaksin Gets Parole, Could Walk Free This Week
By Jintamas Saksornchai
The announcement brings an end to a two-decade war between Thaksin Shinawatra and the country's conservative establishment.