Region
Southeast Asia
Thailand’s Creeping Digital Authoritarianism
By Gerard McDermott
Since the military coup of 2014, Thailand has developed one of the most sophisticated systems of digital surveillance in Southeast Asia.
Chinese Official Denies ‘Prior Knowledge’ of Myanmar Coup
By Sebastian Strangio
There is little reason to doubt Beijing's claim that the coup and ensuing crisis is "not what China wants to see.”
Was Myanmar’s Coup Legal? And Does it Matter?
By Sebastian Strangio
For most of Myanmar's modern history, the law has been shaped by the army's power and interests rather than the other way around.
After Manila: the Law of Armed Conflict and Victor’s Justice
By Robert Farley
At the time, the defense of Manila was the single most consequential event of the Pacific War from the point of view of the law of armed conflict.
Myanmar Protests Resume After Second Night of Internet Shutdown
By Associated Press
The protests come ahead of a scheduled court appearance by Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday.
Are Japan and South Korea Serious About Ending Coal Financing in Southeast Asia?
By James Guild
A pledge to curtail financing for coal projects has come amid a rash of new coal-fired power plant investments.
Myanmar Protests Reveal Burgeoning Regional Civil Society
By Quah Say Jye
The Myanmar coup has revealed the lack of democratic resilience in Asia, but also the growing solidarity and strength of the region's civil society.
Mekong Takes on Bluish Tinge as Water Levels Again Fall
By Sebastian Strangio
The fall in water levels has again raised questions about the activities of Chinese dam engineers upstream.
Khomeini in the Archipelago: Iranian Interests and Influence in Indonesia
By Maxwell Lowe
Despite rising anti-Shia sentiment within Indonesia, Tehran has quietly built its relations with Jakarta.
Myanmar Junta Arms Itself With Repressive New Laws
By Sebastian Strangio
The changes come amid an intensification of the nationwide protests against the February 1 coup.
What’s Behind Cambodia’s Cancellation of Military Exercises with China?
By Sebastian Strangio
The cancellation, purportedly due to COVID-19, could be a peace offering to the Biden administration.
Could the Destruction of Manila in 1945 Have Been Avoided?
By Robert Farley
The question vexed planners at the time, and has been debated extensively in the years since.