Region
Southeast Asia
A Paradigm Shift in the Philippines’ Defense Strategy
By Rej Cortez Torrecampo
The country's new Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept is part of a gradual reorientation from an internal to an external security focus.
Prabowo Pledges Closer Ties With Japan Following China Visit
By Sebastian Strangio
The Indonesian president-elect's back-to-back visits to China and Japan point to a continuation of his predecessor's pragmatic foreign policy.
Thailand’s Bid for a Seat on the UN Human Rights Council is Poorly Timed
By Mark S. Cogan
The diplomatic push has not been matched by sufficient improvements in the country's own human rights record.
Is Southeast Asia Really Turning Toward China?
By Sebastian Strangio
The ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute’s latest survey of elite opinion showed declining support for the U.S., but the picture is complicated.
Does a Ship’s Flag Matter?
By Aisyah Llewellyn
The container ship that collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge flew a Singaporean flag, but this is unlikely to play much of a role in the complex legal case to come.
Southeast Asian Tech Giants Poised for Profitability in 2024
By James Guild
After years of breakneck expansion, many of the biggest players are beginning to turn their attention toward maximizing profits.
Indonesia’s Prabowo Meets China’s Xi on First Visit Since Election
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and Yeta Purnama
China's hosting of the Indonesian president-elect highlights its desire to hit the ground running when the new administration takes office in October.
Third Malaysian Mini-Mart Attacked Over ‘Allah Socks’ Scandal
By Sebastian Strangio
KK Supermart, the country's second-largest chain of convenience stores, is at the center of a social media firestorm.
Enze Han on China’s Multifarious Presence in Southeast Asia
By Sebastian Strangio
"There is a tendency to attribute everything associated with China to the Chinese state and the CCP, as if they dictate every aspect."
Philippines to Hold Joint Maritime Patrols With US, Japan
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement of the joint South China Sea maneuvers is expected to be announced at a trilateral summit between the three nations next week.
Is Singapore Unfriending Israel?
By Sribala Subramanian
The city-state recently denounced a Facebook post from the Israeli embassy as “unacceptable."
End of an Era as the Phnom Penh Post Closes Its Doors
By Luke Hunt
“With the advent of AI… we are in very scary, uncharted waters,” says co-founder Michael Hayes.