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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.
Putin to Skip East Asia Summit, No Certainty for G-20
By Sebastian Strangio
It is looking increasingly likely that the Russian leader will not be present at either summit – at least not physically.
Philippine Police Charge Prison Chief With Killing Popular Broadcaster
By Sebastian Strangio
Gerald Bantag has been accused of masterminding the October 3 shooting of the journalist Percival Mabasa.
ASEAN Struggles on in an Uncertain Age
By Richard Maude
ASEAN is conscious that it is increasingly sidelines amid great power competition. But the organization is slow to change.
Cambodian Dissident Begins Hunger Strike Over Prison Conditions
By Sebastian Strangio
Theary Seng’s stand comes ahead of U.S. President Joe Biden’s visit to Cambodia for this week’s ASEAN summits.
Malaysia Kicks off Election Campaign Ahead of November 19 Vote
By Sebastian Strangio
Given the complexity of the country's electoral landscape, there is no guarantee GE15 will bring an end to the current political instability.
To Understand Southeast Asia Today, Look to its Early Modern History
By Imran Said
The region today resembles less the rigid binaries of the Cold War than the fluid loyalties and interactions of the pre-colonial era.
Hun Sen Adds Some Bite to Upcoming ASEAN Summits
By Luke Hunt
Ukraine will be at the top of the agenda at the meetings, alongside Myanmar.
Indonesian FM Says Myanmar Military to Blame for Country’s Crisis
By Sebastian Strangio
Retno Marsudi’s comments came ahead of an ASEAN summit at which the region's leaders will be under pressure to toughen their stance toward the military junta.
International Firms Aiding Myanmar Air Force’s Attacks on Civilians: Report
By Sebastian Strangio
The rights group Amnesty International claims that aviation fuel supply chains connect foreign companies to the military's junta's airstrikes on civilian populations.
Old Wine in New Bottles: Political Parties and the Upcoming Election in Thailand
By Punchada Sirivunnabood
New electoral rules have incentivized politicians to create a raft of new parties as a way of joining the governing coalition.
The Sunak Government and UK Foreign Policy in Southeast Asia
By Laura Southgate
Given his crowded agenda of domestic and foreign policy challenges, will the new British leader have much attention left for the region?
Post-Pandemic Recovery and the Plight of ASEAN’s Migrant Workers
By Thong Sariputta
Migrant laborers were among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The region needs a long-term plan to support them.