Region
Southeast Asia
Thailand’s Move Forward Party Won’t Back Pheu Thai’s PM Bid
By Sebastian Strangio
The decision will make the party more reliant on the support of the military-backed parties whose dominance it has long opposed.
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin Acquitted of 4 Graft Charges
By Eileen Ng
Muhyiddin’s legal victory came just days after his Malay nationalist Perikatan Nasional (PN) bloc further expanded its influence during fiercely contested state elections.
For Southeast Asia, US Industrial Policy Might be a Risky Bet
By Kevin Chen
Southeast Asian countries were optimistic about cashing in on the Inflation Reduction Act, but there are several hurdles standing in the way.
Why Indonesia’s Waskita Karya Can’t Pay Its Debts
By James Guild
The state-owned construction firm has crumbled under a heavy load of bond obligations, but the risk of economic contagion is low.
Tesla to Invest in Indonesian Battery Manufacturing, Official Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Senior Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan made the announcement after a meeting with Tesla chief Elon Musk in San Francisco on August 2.
Domestic Workers in Indonesia Call for Passage of Long-delayed Protection Bill
By Sebastian Strangio
The Domestic Worker Protection Bill was first proposed in 2004, but has been stuck in legislative limbo ever since.
Can an Upgraded US Partnership Help Vietnam Escape China’s Orbit?
By Khang Vu
Recent history shows the dangers in seeking to escape the gravitational pull of its northern neighbor.
Indonesian Protesters Begin Hunger Strike as Bill to Protect Domestic Workers Stalls in Parliament
By Niniek Karmini
Lawmakers first proposed a bill to protect domestic workers in 2004 to address issues of discrimination, abuse, and humiliation. Since then, it has been updated but always eventually set aside.
Singapore Says It Will Hold Presidential Election on September 1
By Sebastian Strangio
But it remains to be seen how many candidates can meet the city-state's stringent eligibility criteria.
China’s FM Wang Pledges Support for New Cambodian Leadership
By Sebastian Strangio
Despite the changes in Phnom Penh, Cambodia-China relations are likely to maintain their current upward trajectory.
Relief for Malaysian PM Anwar, as Opposition Fails to Alter Status Quo in State Elections
By Eileen Ng
In Saturday's six state elections, Anwar's government and the Malay nationalist opposition each retained control of three states.
Why the Army Matters in the Indo-Pacific
By John C. McManus
If World War II teaches us anything, it is that navies, armies, and air forces are intertwined, but that ultimate victory depends on the control of key ground.