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Pacific Money
The 21st century is commonly referred to as the 'Pacific Century.' For such a prediction to materialize, the economies of the Asia-Pacific must lead the globe. What challenges will the region face? What nations stand to benefit most? The Diplomat's economics and business blog, Pacific Money, will try to tackle these questions and more.
Why Weakness in US Banking Is Unlikely to Spread to Indonesia
By James Guild
The country's banks are relatively conservative, relying on everyday loans over more risky and profitable assets.
How Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo Rejuvenated Dependency Theory
By Fajar Hidayat
Jokowi is making a concerted effort to move his country beyond reliance on raw materials – and by doing so, drawing attention to a lingering legacy of colonialism.
Why the Philippines’ Two Largest State-Owned Banks Are Contemplating a Mega-Merger
By James Guild
The government is hoping that the merger of DBP and the Land Bank of the Philippines will increase profitability, with a possible eye to supporting its embryonic sovereign wealth fund.
End of the Road for India and Russia’s Rupee-Ruble Trade?
By K.A. Dhananjay
Even as India-Russia energy trade witnessed significant growth, the rupee-ruble system could not gain traction as expected.
Will Jokowi’s Economic Legacy Survive Beyond Indonesia’s Election?
By Samir Puri
Since taking office in 2014, Indonesia's leader has eschewed the nostrums of Western neoliberalism. The country's trajectory will likely continue into a more challenging age.
Indonesia’s Transactional Military Modernization
By James Guild
The country has long sought to balance the operational and strategic needs of the military against the political imperative to contribute to economic development.
Linking Together Asia’s Digital Future
By Grace Yuehan Wang
Digital connectivity promises to be a driving force behind Asian growth, particularly in Southeast Asia.
Australia Forecasts First Annual Budget Surplus in 15 years
By Rod McGuirk
Treasurer Jim Chalmers detailed a government economic blueprint for next year, which aims to ease financial hardships of the most needy without stoking stubbornly high inflation.
How Big is China’s Footprint in Southeast Asia’s Telecom Sector?
By James Guild
The extent to which the region's governments are willing to engage with Chinese firms, and the risks they perceive in doing so, vary widely.
Western Banks’ Collusion With the CCP Should Raise Alarms
By Sam Goodman
Already, banks like HSBC are obeying Beijing’s orders to block Hong Kongers’ access to assets. Things could get much worse if conflict breaks out in the Taiwan Strait.
The Geopolitics of Technology in Indonesia
By James Guild and Leonard C. Sebastian
There are signs of sharpening strategic competition in technology-intensive sectors such as battery manufacturing, clean energy, and data centers.
Foreign Companies in China Face Growing Scrutiny, Pressure
By Joe McDonald
New crackdowns are a jarring backdrop for official efforts to reverse a decline in foreign business interest in China.