Region
Southeast Asia
Social Media and the Fight For Political Influence in Southeast Asia
By Fitriani and Muhammad Habib
The use of digital communications platforms has transformed the region's politics – both for good and for ill.
US President Biden Says He Will Visit Vietnam ‘Shortly’
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement raises the likelihood that the two countries are getting ready to announce a major upgrade in their diplomatic relationship.
Harvest of Duds: What Cluster Munitions in Laos Can Teach Ukraine
By Sribala Subramanian
Unexploded cluster munitions in Laos are a reality check for Ukraine.
Indonesia Delays Launch of China-backed High-Speed Railway
By Sebastian Strangio
The soft launch of the railway, Southeast Asia's first high-speed line, has been pushed back from August 18 until early September.
Malaysia Readies for State Polls That Will Test PM Anwar
By Sebastian Strangio
Ahead of the August 12 elections, the country remains highly politically polarized along ethnic lines.
A New Filipino Leader for Southeast Asia’s Islamic State
By Zam Yusa
It’s not clear if Abu Turaife can garner support from IS adherents in the region and galvanize local militants or whether pro-IS groups in the Philippines are on the decline.
What India’s Rice Export Ban Means for Southeast Asia
By James Guild
The impacts are likely to reflect the differing role that rice plays in each country's political economy.
Philippines Summons Chinese Ambassador Over Water Cannon Incident
By Sebastian Strangio
This is the second time this year that Huang has been summoned following stand-offs in the vicinity of Second Thomas Shoal.
Pheu Thai, Bhumjaithai Agree to Form Thailand’s Next Government
By Sebastian Strangio
The pact between the two parties, which came in second and third in May's general election, could spell an end to Thailand's protracted post-election deadlock.
Why Southeast Asian Nations Must Do More to Protect Their Critical Maritime Infrastructure
By Christian Bueger
The region's maritime, cyber, and energy security policies have not yet fully taken maritime infrastructure into account.
Inside the Resistance Camps in Myanmar
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
What is life like inside the camps of various armed groups fighting the military regime? The Diplomat provides you with an inside look.
Philippines Blasts China For ‘Dangerous Maneuvers’ Near Disputed Shoal
By Sebastian Strangio
The Philippine Coast Guard claims that a Chinese vessel used a high-powered water cannon in order to prevent the resupply of the Philippine forces stationed on Second Thomas Shoal.