Region
Southeast Asia
The World Must Respond to Myanmar’s Civil War Rather Than Its Coup
By David Hutt
In the midst of a nationwide struggle, many foreign governments are still acting as if the country can return to its previous "democratic" path.
Indonesian Girls Are Under Pressure to Wear the Hijab
By Ana Salvá
Pressures on women to follow Islamic dress codes are increasing. That paves the way for further restrictions on girls and women, experts say.
Thailand’s 2023 Budget Keeps an Eye on Spending and Debt
By James Guild
In Thailand the most important thing is to keep the baht stable and maximize exports.
Philippines Requests ICC to Halt Drug War Investigation
By Sebastian Strangio
Manila has repeated its claim that The Hague-based court has no jurisdiction over anti-drug killings committed under President Rodrigo Duterte.
The Problems With Vietnam’s ‘Bamboo Diplomacy’
By Nguyen Quoc Tan Trung
Is the phrase, increasingly prominent in government communications, anything more than an update to a discredited policy of neutrality?
Rights Activists Slam Holiday for Former Dictator Marcos
By Sebastian Strangio
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has proclaimed September 12 a one-off holiday in his family’s home province of Ilocos Norte.
Getting Into ASEAN is ‘Harder Than Getting Into Heaven’
By Luke Hunt
A conversation with Kupa Lopes, Timor-Leste's ambassador to Cambodia.
Protests Erupt in Indonesia Over Fuel Price Rises
By Sebastian Strangio
Student groups and labor unions have pledged to step up demonstrations against the government's reduction of a fuel subsidy.
Why Vietnam Should Not Go Nuclear
By Khang Vu
Pursuing a nuclear deterrent against Chinese aggression would undermine the country's international reputation and destabilize relations with Beijing.
Vietnam Arrests Danang Noodle Seller Who Mocked Minister
By Sebastian Strangio
Bui Tuan Lam made a video that went viral last year, making fun of a minister who was caught on camera eating a gold-encrusted steak.
The Philippines and the Fourth Taiwan Strait Crisis
By Joshua Bernard Espeña
In a more constrained and turbulent region, Manila has little choice but to lean into its status as a rising middle power.
Thai Parliament Rejects Opposition Bid to Restrict Senate’s Powers
By Sebastian Strangio
The effort sought to highlight the ways in which the military-appointed Senate could limit the possible outcomes at next year's election.