Region
Southeast Asia
Amid COVID-19, Singapore Safeguards Citizens’ Jobs at the Expense of Foreign Workers
By Mary Manlangit
The pandemic, coupled with rising domestic pressure, has led the Lion City to tighten restrictions on foreign workers.
Thousands Still Without Power as Philippines Recovers From Super Typhoon Goni
By Nick Aspinwall
An island of 260,000 could be without power until Christmas, while hundreds of thousands remain in evacuation centers in the midst of a severe coronavirus outbreak.
Pandemic Puts Indonesia Into 1st Recession in 20 years
By Niniek Karmini
After two quarters of contraction, Indonesia is officially in its first recession since the Asian financial crisis.
China’s Southeast Asian ‘Vaccine Diplomacy’ Comes Into Relief
By Sebastian Strangio
A reported quid pro quo with Malaysia offers a glimpse into how Beijing will seek to leverage access to COVID-19 vaccines.
The Natuna Standoff: Transcending Fisheries Issues?
By Tiola and Dedi Dinarto
Although Indonesia clings to its non-claimant status, it is beefing up its efforts to deter Chinese maritime incursions.
Filipino Envoy Puts the Philippines’ ‘3rd Foreign Policy Pillar’ On the Line
By Liberty Chee
An ambassador's alleged abuse of a domestic worker in Brazil threatens the nation's reputation as a global leader on migrant worker issues.
Myanmar’s NLD Draws More Criticisms Ahead of National Poll
By Sebastian Strangio
Aung San Suu Kyi's government is weathering heavy criticism about the upcoming poll – but none of it is likely to matter on election day.
“We Are the Destiny You Cannot Avoid”: Thailand’s Prospects for Political Change
By Sasiwan Chingchit
Social and technical trends suggest that the country has reached a historic political watershed.
Thailand Blocks Access to Porn Sites, Prompting Protests
By Sebastian Strangio
The paternalistic move will only exacerbate the country's simmering anti-government and anti-monarchy sentiment.
Myanmar’s Election Marks a Step Away From Peace
By Ben Dunant
Sunday's vote will likely deliver a government with a strong popular mandate – a rarity in mainland Southeast Asia – but ethnic minorities will be left out in the cold.
Hate-Peddling Buddhist Monk Turns Himself in to Police in Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
The move is most likely a desperate attempt to influence the result of this weekend's national election.
What Would a Biden Administration Mean for Southeast Asia?
By Sebastian Strangio
The most likely outcome would be change in the form of U.S. policy and continuity in the substance.