Region
Southeast Asia
Transboundary Water Governance is a Regional Security Issue in Asia
By Genevieve Donnellon-May and Zhang Hongzhou
Careful management of hydropower resources is essential to ensure its positive impacts on climate change and avoid transboundary river conflicts.
Is Laos’ Prime Minister On His Way Out?
By David Hutt
Phankham Viphavanh, who took office in early 2021, may be on the way out -- hounded by scandal and a bad year for Laos’ economy.
Southeast Asian Currencies End the Year on a High Note
By James Guild
Many of Southeast Asia’s major currencies came under pressure this year but are ending the year strong.
Displaced from Myanmar: Can’t Go Back and Can’t Go Forward
By Evan Jones
Despite the sizeable numbers of refugees from Myanmar within Asia, the overall protection environment remains flimsy.
Cambodia Seeks UNESCO World Heritage Status to Protect a Mekong Biodiversity Hotspot
By Tom Fawthrop
This potentially spectacular success story for global conservation could be derailed if a huge dam project gets the green light.
The Uneasy Road to an ASEAN-EU Digital Partnership
By Xirui Li
Creating a digital partnership with ASEAN is part of the EU’s 2021 Indo-Pacific Strategy. But that will face challenges, starting with human rights.
The Domestic Political Optics of Vietnam’s International Defense Expo
By Le Ngoc Thao Nguyen and Nguyen The Phuong
The well-attended December 8-10 event was part of a broader public relations strategy designed to capture the hearts and minds of the Vietnamese public.
After 12 Years, Indonesia and Vietnam Agree on EEZ Boundaries
By Sebastian Strangio
The dispute had led to clashes over illegal fishing, and hamstrung the establishment of a united front against China's expansive claims in the South China Sea.
MSMEs: The Key to Indonesia’s Decarbonization Efforts
By Hasintya Saraswati
Without support for small businesses, the country will struggle to achieve its ambitious climate goals.
Vietnam Purges Foreign Ministry in Response to COVID-19 Repatriation Scandal
By Sebastian Strangio
Dozens of officials are accused of extracting extortionate fees from Vietnamese citizens stranded abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Philippine Congress Approves Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill
By Mong Palatino
The planned Maharlika Investment Fund has attracted controversy, with critics claiming that it is unnecessary and is open to abuse.
Japan’s Strong World Cup Will Boost Its Football Diplomacy in Southeast Asia
By Vikram Jayakumar
Japanese football plays a crucial supplementary role in Tokyo’s efforts to wedge itself between Southeast Asian states and China.