Region
Southeast Asia
In Sudden Step, Philippines Reverses Course on Ending US Visiting Forces Agreement—For Now
By Ankit Panda
Will the reversal last?
An Uncertain Future for Laos
By David Hutt
Laos’ quinquennial National Party Congress is coming up in 2021, but the prospects for meaningful change look slimmer and slimmer.
India’s COVID-19 Opportunity in Southeast Asia
By Angshuman Choudhury and Ashutosh Nagda
India needs to extend its regional COVID diplomacy eastward.
Timor-Leste’s COVID-19 Response
By Guteriano Neves
The government’s timely and decisive action in the initial stage prevented a catastrophic situation, but uncertainty remains.
Indonesia Records Its First Honor Killing
By Luke Hunt
A schoolgirl was reportedly hacked to death after admitting to dating
Indonesia Cites 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award at UN. Is That a Big Deal?
By Ankit Panda
Is Jakarta’s move an extension of existing policy or a change?
What to Make of South Thailand’s COVID Quasi-Ceasefire
By Jason Johnson
Amid a short-term peace in Thailand’s Muslim far south, insurgent leaders are looking for a better opportunity for negotiations.
Cambodia’s Hun Sen Denies Chinese Naval Base Again—But What’s Really Happening?
By Ankit Panda
The Cambodian prime minister has pushed back on the idea of exclusive basing rights for any country.
The Politics of Pandemic in Southeast Asia
By Zachary Abuza and Bridget Welsh
No government is likely to fall as a result of its COVID-19 response, the impact on politics is still significant.
China’s Clandestine Gamble in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or POGO employ and cater largely to Chinese.
COVID-19: Thailand’s Looming Second Wave
By Tom Fawthrop
Can Thailand avoid following in Singapore’s footsteps by upgrading its treatment of migrant workers?
Myanmar’s Meaningless Unilateral Ceasefires
By Joe Kumbun
The many unilateral ceasefires seem meaningless -- they have not stopped or even lessened the fighting so far.