Region
Southeast Asia
Myanmar Calls Off Polling in Rakhine, Shan Conflict Zones
By Sebastian Strangio
The cancellations were expected, but some say the decisions were selective and benefit the ruling National League for Democracy.
Public Shaming is Terrible, But So Is Poor Journalism
By Vu Lam
The online attacks on Vietnam's "Patient 17" were disgraceful, but there is no evidence that her identity was leaked by the Vietnamese government.
Japan’s Pragmatic New PM Pushes Abe’s Vision on Southeast Asia Trip
By Associated Press
As Suga Yoshihide jets off on his first overseas trip as Japan's leader, he is battling a number of controversies at home.
Defying State of Emergency, Thailand Student Protests Roll Onward
By Sebastian Strangio
Thailand student protesters are increasingly drawing support – and tactics – from Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement.
Myanmar’s High-Risk Election
By Tom Fawthrop
Aung San Suu Kyi’s dangerous gamble to push ahead with a controversial election as a second wave of COVID-19 hits Myanmar hard.
Thai PM Refuses to Resign, Police Crack Down on Protesters
By Associated Press
Thai police used water cannons and charged at a massive crowd in Bangkok.
4 Reasons the Philippines Needs Public Asset Disclosures From Its Politicians
By Ronald U.Mendoza and Michael Yusingco
The Philippines’ anti-corruption body has declined to make financial disclosures public. That’s a big problem.
Hedging, Over Commitment, and the Escalating Risk of Conflict in Southeast Asia
By Hunter Marston and Thomas Bruce
The U.S.-China rivalry is turning Southeast Asia into a major potential flashpoint.
Indonesia Secures Access to Promising British COVID-19 Vaccine
By Sebastian Strangio
Having struggled to contain the spread of the coronavirus, the country has put all its chips on securing access to an effective vaccine.
Philippines Lifts Ban on South China Sea Energy Exploration
By Associated Press
The decision comes after a six-year hiatus on oil and gas exploration in areas west of the Philippines.
What Did the Chinese FM’s Tour of Southeast Asia Achieve?
By Sebastian Strangio
Wang Yi riffed on a number of familiar tunes, from China's role in post-COVID-19 recovery to the shibboleth of “non-interference.”
What Will Indonesia’s Internet Economy Look Like?
By James Guild
Absent improvements in regulation and licensing, the breakneck growth in Indonesia's digital economy will soon reach its limits.