Country
Laos
What’s in the New Russian Military Facility Chatter in Laos?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
A closer look at a latest manifestation of Moscow’s growing defense presence in the Southeast Asian nation.
Chinese Casino Magnate’s Empire Set to Expand in Laos
By Sebastian Strangio
The businessman Zhao Wei has established close relationships to Laos's communist elite.
Laos’ Austerity Fantasies Reveal the Communist Party’s Weaknesses
By David Hutt
Ballooning external debt and growing fiscal deficits augur political storm clouds for the ruling LPRP.
Vietnam Hands Over $111 Million Parliament Building to Lao Government
By Sebastian Strangio
The building highlights Vietnam's desire to prevent Laos from spiraling off into China's orbit.
Laos Grants 25-Year Power Grid Concession to Chinese-Majority Firm
By Sebastian Strangio
The deal will deepen China's involvement in the Lao government's goal of transforming itself into the "battery of Southeast Asia."
UNESCO Calls for Heritage Assessment for Lao Hydropower Dam
By Sebastian Strangio
The U.N.'s cultural agency fears that the project might endanger the World Heritage-listed town of Luang Prabang.
Why Communist Anti-Corruption Campaigns Never Work
By David Hutt
Ongoing anti-graft campaigns in Vietnam and Laos focus on officials' moral conduct without addressing the political structures that incentivize corruption.
‘Not Sufficient’: Thailand Rejects Report on Lao Hydropower Dam
By Sebastian Strangio
The Sanakham dam is one of seven mega-dams that the landlocked country is planning, in defiance of environmental and economic sense.
In Laos, Reform Hopes Peter Out Into Business as Usual
By David Hutt
The Lao communist party's newly selected General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith once promised change. Now he sits atop a closed and sclerotic system.
In the Face of Criticism, Laos Pushes Ahead With Four Mekong Dams
By Luke Hunt
But costs and competition could leave the putative "battery of Southeast Asia" running on empty.
Hydropower vs Heritage: Will Laos Lose Luang Prabang?
By Tom Fawthrop
Another Mekong dam project threatens to cost the former royal capital its UNESCO World Heritage status.
Vietnam’s Sole Military Ally
By Khang Vu
The country's longstanding ties with its neighbor Laos constitute an alliance in everything but name.