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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.
Thailand-EU Free Trade Pact On Track for Completion in 2025, Thai PM Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Srettha Thavisin is acting as a roving economic salesman on state visits to France and Germany this week.
Southeast Asia’s Uncertain Global Outlook
By David Hutt
What would be more worrying for the region: a retreating United States, or an economically stagnant China?
Thai Election Commission Requests Dissolution of Move Forward Party
By Sebastian Strangio
If the MFP is disbanded, the party's political energy is almost certain to re-emerge in an alternate, and likely more radical, form.
Kachin Armed Resistance Group Claims Gains in Northern Offensive
By Sebastian Strangio
While the Kachin Independence Army's goal is unclear, a major offensive could have significant impact on the trajectory of the country's conflict.
Dancing into Power: The Successful Rehabilitation of Indonesia’s Prabowo Subianto
By Teuku Harza Mauludi and Pius Fozan
How did an ex-general with such a controversial past manage to scale the pinnacle of Indonesian politics?
A Papal Tour to Normalize Relations Between Vietnam and the Vatican
By Luke Hunt
Both sides have promised not to interfere in each other’s internal affairs.
Malaysia’s Anwar Warns US That Constraining China Will ‘Accentuate’ Its Grievances
By Sebastian Strangio
The Malaysian leader said that U.S. leaders need to do more to see the world and the region from China's perspective.
Will Prabowo’s Win Increase the Military’s Influence In Indonesian Politics?
By Nia Deliana and Moch Faisal Karim
The army's influence has been on the rise over the past decade. Will this continue under the ex-general's leadership?
Vietnam Designates Two Overseas Groups as ‘Terrorist’ Organizations
By Sebastian Strangio
The two organizations advocate for the political and cultural rights of the Montagnard peoples of the Central Highlands, a highly sensitive issue for Hanoi.
Where Are Indonesia’s Women Leaders?
By Sharyn Davies
With the election over, Indonesia gears up to celebrate women's day. It's a timely reminder of how far women in leadership have to go in the nation.
Vietnam and Australia Announce Long-Awaited Diplomatic Upgrade
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement of the two nations' Comprehensive Strategic Partnership followed the end of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit yesterday.
What on Earth Do Indonesians Think About Democracy?
By David Hutt
Making sense of a 2023 Pew survey that showed majority support for representative democracy, autocracy, and rule by the military.