Region
Southeast Asia
Despite Crime Concerns, Laos Authorizes Cryptocurrency Trial
By Sebastian Strangio
But little good will come from authorizing the mining and trading of the volatile digital currencies.
ICC Authorizes Investigation Into Philippines’ ‘Drug War’ Killings
By Sebastian Strangio
Judges say that the “specific legal element of the crime against humanity of murder” has been met in the sanguinary crackdown.
Giant Buddha Statue Plan Rankles Residents of Laos’ Capital: Report
By Sebastian Strangio
A Chinese firm's plans to build a 100-meter-high Buddha statue in low-lying Vientiane encapsulate China's outsized economic presence in Laos.
What Would a New US-Philippines Defense Agenda Look Like?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Both sides are outlining an agenda that attempts to modernize the alliance in the face of new challenges.
What the Taliban Takeover in Afghanistan Means for IS Supporters in Indonesia
By V. Arianti and Unaesah Rahmah
In line with the official stance of IS and its affiliates, Indonesian IS supporters view the Taliban as polytheistic and even apostate.
Chinese FM Winds Up Southeast Asia Trip With Stops in Cambodia, Singapore
By Sebastian Strangio
The trip followed a number of regional tours by high-ranking U.S. officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris.
Myanmar Court Moves Venue for Australian’s Trial Under Secrets Law
By Grant Peck
Australian Sean Turnell was charged along with Suu Kyi and three former Cabinet ministers on charges of violating Myanmar’s official secrets law.
Thailand’s 2022 Budget Takes Shape
By James Guild
The government has been criticized for directing money to royal agencies and questionable submarine purchases during a time of economic uncertainty.
Diplomatic Pact to Block Myanmar’s Junta From United Nations – For Now
By Sebastian Strangio
Under a deal brokered by the U.S. and China, the decision over Myanmar's U.N. seat will be deferred until November.
An End To Winner-Takes-All In Malaysian Politics?
By Alifah Zainuddin
Malaysia’s political leaders sign a landmark deal as Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob pledges a slew of reforms. But will his government follow through?
With New Law, Singapore Takes Aim at ‘Foreign Interference’
By Sebastian Strangio
The Ministry of Home Affairs argues that foreign interference poses a serious threat to Singapore's "political sovereignty and national security.”
Debt Bondage Payouts Flow to Workers in Malaysia’s Glove Industry
By Peter Bengtsen
Has an American import ban and the repayment of over $100 million to migrant workers by glove makers reduced forced labor risks?