Region
Southeast Asia
ASEAN Summits Highlight Familiar Shortcomings
By Sebastian Strangio
The bloc managed to adopt stronger language on the conflict in Myanmar, but remains adrift in the South China Sea.
Indonesian Money Laundering Case Harks Back To Asian Financial Crisis
By Aisyah Llewellyn
In Indonesia, money laundering is hard to prosecute. But in the case against disgraced tax official Rafael Alun Trisambodo, prosecutors have seemingly found an open and shut case.
What’s Wrong With the Philippines’ New Anti-Trafficking Guidelines?
By Michael Beltran
“Why are we going after tourists and letting the big criminals get away?” one trafficking victim asks.
In Southeast Asia, VP Kamala Harris Is at the Center of US Efforts to Counter China
By Chris Megerian
While analysts bemoaned President Biden’s absence from the ASEAN summit, Harris has visited more countries in Southeast Asia than in any other region.
Singapore in South Korea’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
By Gordon Kang
Southeast Asia plays a key role in South Korea’s Indo-Pacific ambitions, and Singapore in particular has proved a willing partner with many aligned interests.
Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship Could Make or Break the Bloc
By Virdika Rizky Utama
During its year at the helm, Jakarta has an opportunity to reset the trajectory for itself and the entire ASEAN bloc.
Can Indonesia Afford Its Big Military Modernization Plans?
By James Guild
Despite a rash of major defense acquisitions, the country still spends a relatively low percentage of its GDP on defense.
New Thai Government Readies Populist Economic Measures
By Sebastian Strangio
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is expected to announce a range of inducements, including debt moratoriums and energy subsidies.
Chinese Premier Seeks to Calm South China Sea Concerns
By Sebastian Strangio
During a meeting with ASEAN counterparts, Li Qiang implied that China and rival claimants could address outstanding disputes without the involvement of outside powers.
ASEAN Tweaks Its Approach Toward Military-Ruled Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
The Southeast Asian bloc has taken a number of small but important steps forward in its handling of the country's crisis.
The Philippines’ Latest National Security Policy: Cautious Yet Clear-Cut
By Joshua Bernard Espeña
Despite favorable comparisons to its predecessor, the Marcos administration's security policy can only be measured against its own benchmark going forward.
Thailand’s New Government Takes Office After Being Sworn-in
By Sebastian Strangio
As a product of political compromise, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's cabinet contains a number of familiar faces.