Region
Southeast Asia
We Know Microfinance Harms Cambodia’s Poor. What Can Be Done About It?
By David Hutt
Much ink has been spilled identifying the many problems with the sector, but much less so about possible ways forward.
Cambodia Bars Members of Meta’s Oversight Board From Entering the Country
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement followed Meta's decision to suspend Prime Minister Hun Sen's Facebook account for breaches of its policies on violence and incitement.
George Black on the Toxic Afterlife of the US War in Vietnam
By Sebastian Strangio
The veteran writer talks about the "small group of thoughtful, committed citizens” that helped publicize the horrific legacies of the war – and foster reconciliation between two former enemies.
How Indonesia’s Green Energy Push Will Impact the Country’s Coal-mining Communities
By Media Wahyudi Askar
Jakarta needs to ensure that the dozens of villages reliant on the coal mining economy are not left behind by its renewable energy transition.
Thai Parliament Picks Veteran Politician as Speaker Ahead of PM Vote
By Sebastian Strangio
Wan Muhamad Noor Matha was the compromise candidate after the two largest opposition parties failed to agree who should occupy the important post.
Vietnam Nixes ‘Barbie’ Release Over South China Sea Map
By Sebastian Strangio
The upcoming film is the latest to fall afoul of the country's censors for depicting a map containing China's "nine-dash line" maritime claim.
Timor-Leste’s Independence Hero Xanana Gusmao Returns to Power as PM
By Gantry Meilana
In parliamentary elections in May, the veteran leader capitalized on widespread discontent with the outgoing Freitilin government.
Indonesian President Begins Three-Day State Visit to Australia
By Sebastian Strangio
Cooperation on EV manufacturing and regional tensions are likely to dominate discussions between Joko Widodo and Anthony Albanese.
Vietnam Calls for Tech Giants to Use AI to Remove ‘Anti-State’ Content
By Sebastian Strangio
The demand marks a further incremental tightening of the state's control over the online sphere.
Indonesia’s Mandalika Project Reveals the Dark Side of AIIB Lending
By Wawa Wang
The Chinese-led bank’s governance model emphasizes rapid and flexible infrastructure financing, making it easier for clients to dodge higher rule-based standards.
From Cambodia’s Killing Fields to the US Secret Service
By Luke Hunt
A conversation with author Leth Oun.
Thai Opposition Parties Settle Dispute Over House Speaker Role
By Sebastian Strangio
The Pheu Thai Party has reportedly agreed to the Move Forward Party taking the role of house speaker, in exchange for the two deputy house speaker posts.