Region
Southeast Asia

BIMSTEC: Missing in Action in Myanmar
By Angshuman Choudhury
The grouping has emphasized disaster response in its activities, yet its response to Myanmar’s catastrophic earthquake is sorely lacking.

At BIMSTEC’s Bangkok Summit, Leaders Pledge Economic Integration Amid Global Flux
By Elizabeth Roche
With India shifting focus away from SAARC to BIMSTEC, it is keen to see the latter succeed.

Cambodia, China Open New Facilities at Ream Naval Base
By Sebastian Strangio
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said that the refurbished base would be open to "all friendly parties," but U.S. suspicions are likely to persist.

Targeted Aid and Strategic Competition in Southeast Asia
By Vu Lam
As China recalibrates its aid and financing to the region, Western donors need to offer an alternative that is both credible and matches the region’s development priorities.

Trump’s Tariffs Won’t Change the Trajectory of Vietnam’s Foreign Policy
By Khang Vu
The country’s economic response to the tariffs will be guided by its multilateral and diversified foreign policy approach.

Indonesia’s Quiet Militarization Under President Prabowo Subianto
By Azifah Astrina
The revision of the TNI Law has eroded the principle of civilian supremacy. It could also undermine the cohesion of the military itself.

Prominent American Academic Accused of Defaming Thai Monarchy
By Sebastian Strangio
The Royal Thai Army has accused Paul Chambers, a lecturer at Naresuan University in Phitsanulok, of violating the lese-majeste law and Computer Crime Act.

ASEAN’s Position in Plastic Treaty Negotiations: Paper Tiger, Plastic Dragon?
By Yuyun Ismawati and Wong Pui Yi
ASEAN has become an attractive destination for petrochemical expansion and plastic waste exports, given its proximity to China and regional appetite for foreign investment. This will come at high risks to the region.

Southeast Asian Governments React to Punitive Trump Tariffs
By Sebastian Strangio
Vietnam and Thailand say they are open to negotiations with Washington, but will also seek to diversify their export markets away from the U.S.

Myanmar and the Gutting of USAID
By Naw Theresa
The Trump administration's foreign aid cuts have crippled U.S. efforts to support earthquake relief efforts. But that's not the only damage they will do.

Russia’s Complicated Strategic Frontiers in Southeast Asia
By Lucas Myers and Dan White
Southeast Asia is an especially appealing strategic frontier in Moscow’s dream of a multipolar world. But the reality of Russian engagement in the region is complicated.

On Defense, Trump’s Early Moves in Asia Have Been Notably Normal
By Tom Corben
Despite its high-decibel MAGA rhetoric, the administration has largely upheld the regional commitments made during Joe Biden's presidency.

Myanmar Junta Announces Ceasefire to Aid Earthquake Recovery Efforts
By Sebastian Strangio
The ceasefire, which will run until April 22, follows similar announcements from major ethnic rebel groups.

Southeast Asia Slammed By President Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs
By Sebastian Strangio
Nine of the region's 11 nations have been hit with reciprocal tariffs that could devastate local industries – and create a strategic opening for China.

US Clears Possible $5B Sale of Jet Fighters to Philippines
By Sebastian Strangio
The proposed acquisition of F-16 fighters would bolster Manila's ability to defend its own assets in disputed parts of the South China Sea.

Making ‘Loot,’ a Film About Cambodian Crimes and Redemption
By Luke Hunt
A conversation with director Don Millar.

How Indonesia’s Revised Military Law Could Impact Regional Security Dynamics
By Edna C. Pattisina
The legal changes are a sign of Jakarta's increasing concern about the potential for conflict in the region, especially over Taiwan.

China’s Xi to Visit Three Southeast Asian Nations This Month, Report Claims
By Sebastian Strangio
The Chinese leader will visit Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia at a time of great uncertainty about the course of U.S. policy toward the region.

In Earthquake’s Aftermath, Major Myanmar Rebel Alliance Announces ‘Humanitarian Pause’
By Sebastian Strangio
Could the devastation of the March 28 quake help catalyze a political solution to the country’s civil war?

Why Bangladesh Should Join ASEAN – and What Stands in the Way
By Md Obaidullah
Joining ASEAN is not a silver bullet for Bangladesh’s geopolitical and economic challenges, but it could be a step in the right direction.

Vietnam in US-China Trade Tensions
By Mercy A. Kuo
Insights from Nguyen Khac Giang

Why Grab Wants to Acquire Indonesia’s GoTo for $7 Billion
By James Guild
If successful, the deal will create a ride-hailing and delivery giant that would dominate Southeast Asian markets.

Thai Government Probes Collapse of Bangkok Skyscraper as Rescue Efforts Continue
By Sebastian Strangio
More than 70 construction workers remain trapped beneath the rubble of the State Audit Office building, which collapsed during the March 28 earthquake.

Inside Cambodia’s Political Doomsday Sect
By Daniel Zak and Vutha Srey
In a tranquil compound at the foot of sacred Mount Kulen, a former opposition politician is preparing his followers for the apocalypse.
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