Region
Southeast Asia
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.
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.
UN Security Council Adopts Rare Resolution on Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
UNSC 2669 expressed the council's "deep concern" about the actions of the country's military government, and called for an immediate cessation of violence.
Thailand Rethinks the Teaching of History
By Tita Sanglee
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has spearheaded changes that will see history taught as a standalone core subject from 2024.
Manila Prepares to Overhaul Its Clean Water Infrastructure
By Adam Kiedrowski
The Philippine capital, one of the most densely populated cities in the world, has long struggled to supply clean water to its 12 million people.
Indonesia to Ban Exports of Bauxite From June 2023
By Sebastian Strangio
The move follows a ban on exports of unprocessed nickel ore that came into effect at the start of 2020.
Fresh Calls for Rescue of Rohingya Refugees Stranded at Sea
By Sebastian Strangio
The boat, which set off from Bangladesh in late November, has been adrift since its engines failed on December 1.
New Indonesian Military Chief Downplays Extent of Papua Conflict
By Sebastian Strangio
The past few years have seen growing numbers of violent incidents in the eastern region, home to a long-running separatist insurgency.
Myanmar’s NUG Welcomes the Passage of the U.S. BURMA Act
By Luke Hunt
The legislation authorizes the Biden administration to begin providing non-lethal assistance to the opposition National Unity Government and its allies.