Country
Laos
What if the Communist Social Bargain Breaks Down in Laos?
By David Hutt
The economy is stagnant and discontent is on the rise. But don't bet on a mass uprising against the ruling communist party.
Are Laos’ New Railways a Solution to its Lack of Trade with the West?
By David Hutt
Transport costs are not the only problem facing the country, but reducing them could help spur progress in other areas.
What Lies Ahead for Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Trilateral Security Cooperation?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
A recent engagement between the three nations shone a spotlight on the intraregional security dynamics in mainland Southeast Asia.
Laos and ‘Xiplomacy’
By Sribala Subramanian
China’s leader has leveraged a boyhood connection into a blooming strategic partnership.
Navigating Socialism, Security, and China in Laos-Vietnam Relations
By To Minh Son
Laos is important to China, but it is indispensable to Vietnam and its long-term security.
Report Claims 700 Malaysians Held for Ransom in Lao SEZ
By Sebastian Strangio
The report is just the latest case of alleged human trafficking to have emerged in the Mekong region over the past year.
Lao Authorities Seize Another Huge Shipment of Methamphetamine
By Sebastian Strangio
The country's four largest meth seizures on record have come over the past 15 months – striking evidence of the scale of the recent Mekong drug production boom.
Ratings Agency Announces Pending Withdrawal of Rating for Laos
By Sebastian Strangio
The decision by the Fitch ratings agency testifies to the depth and unpredictability of the country's current economic crisis.
Why Vietnam Should be Worried About Laos’ Economic Crisis
By Khang Vu
The country's travails could deepen China's influence and destabilize the longstanding alliance between Hanoi and Vientiane.
Inflation in Laos Reaches 22-Year High as Economic Crisis Worsens
By Sebastian Strangio
Ordinary people are struggling to keep pace with precipitous increases in the price of petrol, cooking oil, and other basic necessities.
Laos Is On the Brink of Sovereign Bankruptcy
By Luke Hunt
Debt, wealth inequality, and corruption will keep the country poor.
In Laos, Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh Is In Trouble
By David Hutt
Since he took the reins last year, the country's economy has entered a downward economic spiral with no clear end in sight.