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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 Marks People Power Revolt For First Time Under Marcos Jr.
By Sebastian Strangio
This year's commemoration was a sign of how far Philippine democracy has come, and also how far it has yet to go.
Russia’s War on Ukraine: Lessons for the Indonesian Armed Forces
By Muhammad Fauzan Malufti
The European conflict has laid bare several vulnerabilities in the TNI's modernization plans.
It’s Time for the Leadership of Myanmar’s NUG to Step Up
By Luke Hunt
Western sanctions should be welcomed but the country's opposition must do more.
The Problem With Indonesia’s Plan to Attract ‘Digital Nomads’
By Stephanie Wild
Will tourism actually benefit the country over the long-run, or is it simply turning parts of the Indonesian economy into a neocolonial service economy?
Why Don’t Malaysian Policymakers View China as a Threat?
By Emirza Adi Syailendra
For years, successive governments have believed that labeling China a threat would be a self-fulfilling act.
Nine Southeast Asian States Vote to Condemn Russian War on Ukraine
By Sebastian Strangio
Of the 11 nations of Southeast Asia, only Laos and Vietnam abstained from the resolution demanding a Russian withdrawal.
Malaysia Deported 114 Myanmar Nationals Last Month, Rights Group Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Amnesty International Malaysia said that the action "exposes the government’s hypocrisy in policy and practice.”
China, ASEAN to ‘Accelerate Consultations’ on South China Sea Code
By Sebastian Strangio
Despite promises from the Indonesian and Chinese foreign ministers, there is little reason to expect rapid progress on the long-awaited Code of Conduct.
Despite Opposition, Philippines Ratifies RCEP Trade Agreement
By Sebastian Strangio
The massive free trade pact has faced opposition from agricultural groups, who fear it could open the country to a wave of imported produce.
EU Imposes Sixth Round of Sanctions Against Military-Ruled Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
Among those listed are the junta's energy minister, and a number of private companies believed to be funneling arms, funds, and fuel to the military.
Thailand’s Prayut Says Parliament Will Be Dissolved in Early March
By Sebastian Strangio
The upcoming election, due to fall in early May, will see the Thai leader stand for election for the first time.
Land Before Water: Why Vietnam’s Grand Strategy is Fundamentally Continental
By Khang Vu
Despite limited past operations in littoral waters, the country's strategic attention has been overwhelmingly directed at land-based threats.