Region
Southeast Asia
Blinken in Southeast Asia: Is This the Real ‘Pivot’?
By Rizal Ramli
The U.S. Secretary of State's recent tour sent all the right signals, but some regional skepticism remains.
Laos Prepares to Welcome Foreign Tourists From January 1
By Sebastian Strangio
The limited opening ends an 18-month shutdown that has had serious impacts on the country's economy.
A Tumultuous Year in Malaysian Politicking
By Sophie Lemière
The shifting political allegiances of the past three years seem set to continue until the next general election.
Thailand Sends Refugees Back to Myanmar Amid Continued Fighting
By Sebastian Strangio
Civilians were among the several thousand who fled fierce fighting around the town of Lay Kay Kaw last week.
The Apparent Stalemate in Thailand’s Deep South
By Uday Bakhshi
The conflict in southern Thailand remains dormant, but is far from being resolved.
RCEP Will Drive ASEAN Economic Recovery
By Sithanonxay Suvannaphakdy
On January 1, 2022, RCEP will take effect and should serve as a key engine of trade and economic recovery for the entire region.
Three Decades of Election Protests in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
Even compared to past Philippine elections, the upcoming presidential polls are shaping up as unusually divisive.
Transgender Thais Lack Vital Legal Protections, Says Rights Group
By Sebastian Strangio
Compared to its neighbors, Thailand is relatively accepting of its transgender population. But there's still a long way to go.
Cambodian PM Nominates Top Diplomat as ASEAN Envoy on Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn can be expected to pursue a strategy of pragmatic engagement with the military junta.
Can MUDA Capture Malaysia’s Youth Vote?
By Alifah Zainuddin
If all young people gravitate towards MUDA, the youth-based party will instantly become a major political party. But that is unlikely to be the case.
Malaysia Readies for Crucial Sarawak State Elections
By Sebastian Strangio
The elections fall amidst an upswing in pro-autonomy sentiment in the eastern Malaysian state.
New Philippine President, New China Policy?
By Bich T. Tran
The election of Rodrigo Duterte in 2016 initiated a wild swing in the country's policy toward China. Get set for more change in 2022.