Region
Southeast Asia
Secretary Pompeo’s Visit to Hanoi: What To Expect
By Le Hong Hiep
The last-minute stop in Vietnam is designed to consolidate recent strategic gains as both nations stare down a more assertive China.
Could ASEAN Really Cut Laos and Cambodia Loose?
By Sebastian Strangio
The suggestion by a retired Singaporean diplomat has made waves among Southeast Asia watchers – but is it likely to happen?
Dissolved Thai Party Leaders Warn Against Possible Legal Charges
By Associated Press
The dissolution of the progressive Future Forward Party helped spur the current protests. Now media reports say party leaders face new charges.
Another Close Shave for Malaysia’s PM Muhyiddin
By Sebastian Strangio
UMNO expressed its support for Muhyiddin's coalition, even as its officials sought to extract concessions from the beleaguered premier.
COVID-19 and the Perils of International Tourism
By James Guild
Tourism has been a boon for Southeast Asia, but the pandemic has exposed the region's unhealthy dependence on foreign visitors.
India Transfers Myanmar’s First Submarine Amid Tensions with China
By Blake Herzinger
The submarine acquisition fulfills a long-held ambition of the Myanmar Navy, but could prove costly in the long run.
Southeast Asia Braces for US Elections and a Possible Second Trump Term
By Luke Hunt
A Biden victory will see a rebooting of U.S. ties with ASEAN, but the region will still be seen through the lens of competition with China.
Vietnamese PM Plays Down American Claims of Currency Manipulation
By Sebastian Strangio
Prime Minister Phuc has denied suggestions that Vietnam is seeking unfair advantages in international trade.
ASEAN Is Failing On The South China Sea Issue
By Phar Kim Beng
As China continues its militarization of the vital seaway, most Southeast Asian nations remain mired in their own problems.
Thai Parliament Opens Special Session Over Anti-Government Protests
By Sebastian Strangio
Despite its lifting of a state of emergency last week, there are reasons to doubt the government's willingness to reform.
Prabowo Set to Complicate the Australia-Indonesia Relationship
By Ross B. Taylor
Despite his dark past, Canberra may eventually be forced to hold its nose and engage with the former Indonesian general.
Why Next Month’s Elections Could Worsen Ethnic Tensions in Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
Myanmar's electoral system concentrates power in the hands of the Burman majority, the root cause of decades of civil conflict.