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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.
Malaysia Will Not Appeal Ex-PM Najib’s Acquittal in 1MDB Tampering Case
By Sebastian Strangio
The decision comes less than two weeks after the dropping of corruption charges against an ally for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
ASEAN Gives Laos a Reprieve Over Myanmar Crisis
By David Hutt
But let’s not get carried away with the bloc's new “troika” on Myanmar.
Cambodian PM Embarks on Three-Day State Visit to China
By Sebastian Strangio
Prime Minister Hun Manet will seek to consolidate relations with the nation that has become Phnom Penh's most important international partner.
Philippines’ Top Leaders Accused of Making Irregular Budget Transactions
By Mong Palatino
Vice President Sara Duterte's use of confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs), which are usually reserved for the security forces, has raised eyebrows.
Philippine Court Tosses Final Tax Charge Against Nobel Laureate
By Sebastian Strangio
Maria Ressa and her publication Rappler have once again scored a legal victory against charges brought under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Can ASEAN Find a Role in the Rapidly Evolving Indo-Pacific Reconfiguration?
By David Cohen and Alexandra Koch
The Southeast Asian bloc needs to re-examine its foundational principles in order to keep pace with a quickly changing region.
Australia, Philippines Agree to Upgrade Bilateral Relationship
By Sebastian Strangio
As with U.S.-Philippine ties, relations between Canberra and Manila have advanced rapidly since President Rodrigo Duterte left office.
Malaysian Youth Party Defects From Ruling Coalition Over Corruption Cases
By Sebastian Strangio
The defection has deprived Anwar Ibrahim's government of its two-thirds parliamentary majority in Parliament.
In Search of Hun Manet’s Bristol University PhD Thesis
By David Whitehouse
In 2009, Cambodia's new prime minister was awarded a doctorate in economics – but it is nearly impossible to access his thesis.
Srettha’s First Foreign Policy Mistake: Passing on the ASEAN Summit
By Mark S. Cogan
Thailand's new prime minister prioritized domestic political duties over attending to the troubled regional organization.
Overcoming Differences, Looking to the Future: The Next Step for the US-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
By Khang Vu
Despite the significant upgrade to its relationship with the United States, China will continue to loom large in Vietnam's calculations.
A New Era Is Dawning in US-Vietnam Relations
By Jonathan D. London
The coming upgrade of the bilateral relationship between Washington and Hanoi is a milestone for the region – and the world.