Region
Southeast Asia
Indonesia’s $22 Billion Purchases of US, French Fighter Jets: How Russia’s Su-35 Lost Out
By A. B. Abrams
Indonesia’s about-face from a deal with Russia to new purchase agreements with the U.S. and France highlights the potency of U.S. sanctions.
A Perfect Dry: The Mekong River Enters its Fourth Year of Drought
By Luke Hunt
A conversation with Brian Eyler of the Stimson Center.
The China Factor in Indonesia’s New Capital City Plan
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and Yeta Purnama
China’s economic influence in Indonesia will translate into a prominent role in the development of the new capital.
Indonesia Finalizes Major Jet Fighter Purchases From US, France
By Sebastian Strangio
The two purchases reflect both the ambition of Indonesia's defense modernization plans and its promiscuous approach to procurements.
Philippines Election Authority Dismisses More Complaints Against Marcos
By Sebastian Strangio
The son of the late dictator now holds a commanding lead in the race to succeed President Rodrigo Duterte.
Indonesian Parliament Set to Scrutinize Bilateral Agreements with Singapore
By Jefferson Ng
Due to the complex composition of the country's parliament, the process is likely to be protracted.
Philippines Fully Opens to Foreign Visitors After Nearly 2 Years
By Sebastian Strangio
The move, which follows a sudden easing of COVID-19 infections, will deliver a much-needed jolt to the nation's tourism industry.
As Cambodian Election Season Nears, Opposition Parties Prepare to Tackle Hun Sen
By Sebastian Strangio
Upcoming commune and national elections won't be free or fair, but they will offer signals of how the CPP plans to govern during its next mandate.
Is Or Vandine Cambodia’s Future?
By David Hutt
The U.S.-educated Health Ministry official has shot to prominence as the public face of Cambodia's COVID-19 response.
B3W Might Not Be Able to Compete With BRI in Southeast Asia, But That’s Okay
By Maria Adele Carrai and William Yuen Yee
Rather than competing in a sector where China is strong – infrastructure – B3W should focus on U.S. strength areas.
Indonesian Capital Plan Throws China-Backed Rail Link Into Disarray
By Sebastian Strangio
The Chinese-Indonesian consortium building the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail line says that projected demand has fallen by nearly half.
Thailand Drops Cannabis From Its List of Controlled Narcotics
By Sebastian Strangio
Public Health Minister Anutin Charnivakul said the move marked the beginning of "a new history for cannabis" in the country.