Region
Southeast Asia
Democracy Is Teetering in Malaysia as PM Tightens Grip on Power
By Alifah Zainuddin
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s desperate attempt to hold on to power threatens to shake the country's democratic system to the core.
Why Do Filipinos Keep Voting for Authoritarian Leaders?
By Gretchen Abuso
A lack of thorough education has helped blur the Philippines’ history – and the lessons of the past.
As Summits Loom, Biden Administration Bolsters Engagement With Southeast Asia
By Sebastian Strangio
While differences remain, Washington's current efforts will go some way to allaying Southeast Asian concerns about U.S. disengagement from the region.
Malaysia’s Youth Step Up Protests As Political Crisis Deepens
By Alifah Zainuddin
Young protestors gather momentum as calls for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s resignation grow louder.
Myanmar Junta Forms Caretaker Government, Promises Elections in 2023
By Sebastian Strangio
But the announcement will do little to convince the large proportion of the Myanmar public opposing military rule.
Philippines’ Duterte Retains Pact Allowing US War Exercises
By Jim Gomez
The president has formally retracted his earlier letter announcing the termination of the Philippines-U.S. Visiting Forces Agreement.
Malaysia PM Under Pressure to Quit After Stern Royal Rebuke
By Eileen Ng
The king’s statement immediately sparked an uproar in Parliament, with opposition lawmakers shouting “treason” and demanding that Prime Minister Muhyiddin resign.
Olympic Champion Hidilyn Diaz Deserves an Apology From the Philippine Government
By Mong Palatino
The Philippines’ first-ever gold medalist had an earlier claim to fame: being accused of conspiring against the Duterte administration.
COVID-19 Turned Vietnam’s State-Run Union’s Greatest Weakness Into Its Biggest Strength
By Joe Buckley
The Vietnam General Confederation of Labor may be unable to fight for workers' rights, but it is well-placed to help them amid the COVID-19 crisis.
In Vietnam, Civil Society Is Picking up the Slack Where Authorities Struggle
By Luke Hunt
Ho Chi Minh City residents say self-help is key to surviving the pandemic.
China’s Growing Ties With Indonesian Provinces
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat
Getting close to Indonesian provinces is a key goal of Chinese diplomacy and crucial for the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Legacy of the South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Ruling, Five Years On
By Ankit Panda
What is the legacy of the landmark 2016 ruling by the Hague-based arbitral tribunal?