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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.
The Marcos-Duterte Rift in the Philippines is Getting Nastier and More Personal
By Mong Palatino
The political feud is likely to worsen as the country moves toward the 2025 midterm elections and 2028 presidential election.
Southeast Asia Needs Serious Money to Get to Net Zero
By Trang Nguyen
To achieve net zero emissions in Southeast Asia, addressing the significant financing gap is crucial, requiring bold targets and more international support.
Myanmar Junta Chief Embarks on First China Visit Since Coup
By Sebastian Strangio
Min Aung Hlaing's visit to Kunming seems to mark a watershed in Beijing's policy toward the country's civil war.
4 Thai Laborers Killed in Northern Israel, Thai Government Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on Tel Aviv to ensure that no more Thai workers are sent to high-risk areas.
Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia’s Mini-Mahathir, Isn’t ‘Father of the Nation’
By David Hutt
The Malaysian leader's response to recent developments in the 1MDB corruption scandal was tone-deaf and dismissive.
Sea Level Rise Is a Clear Threat to Malaysia
By Raksha Pandya-Wood and Azliyana Azhari
It is imperative that adaptation measures are implemented now to safeguard against future extreme climate events.
Indonesia’s Constitutional Court Orders Changes to Contentious Jobs Law
By Sebastian Strangio
Labor unions say the wide-ranging legislation, passed in 2020, could undermine vital worker protections.
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.