Region
Southeast Asia
The Philippines’ Latest National Security Policy: Cautious Yet Clear-Cut
By Joshua Bernard Espeña
Despite favorable comparisons to its predecessor, the Marcos administration's security policy can only be measured against its own benchmark going forward.
Thailand’s New Government Takes Office After Being Sworn-in
By Sebastian Strangio
As a product of political compromise, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's cabinet contains a number of familiar faces.
Why Biden’s Visit to Vietnam Is a Triumph for the US
By Hai Hong Nguyen
Like his Democratic predecessors Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, Biden will preside over a significant upgrade in relations with Vietnam.
Singapore’s New President Does Not Imply a Mandate for the PAP
By Kazimier Lim
Tharman Shanmugaratnam's landslide victory may seem like an endorsement of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP), but is better seen as a reflection of his personal popularity.
Military-Ruled Myanmar Won’t Be Allowed to Lead ASEAN in 2026
By Niniek Karmini and Jim Gomez
Myanmar's top generals were again barred from attending this year's summit, and now the decision has been made to retract their hosting privileges for 2026.
The Post-Coup Rise of Myanmar’s Ta’ang National Liberation Army
By Sebastian Strangio
Since the coup, the TNLA has become central to the fluid conflict dynamics of northern Shan State, according to a new report.
Towards a Robust Philippines-India Maritime Security Partnership
By Don McLain Gill
Since both countries have experienced the impacts of China’s gray zone activities, the sharing of intelligence, information, and best practices will be vital.
Malaysian Court Dismisses 47 Corruption Charges Against Key Anwar Ally
By Sebastian Strangio
The dismissal of the case against Deputy PM Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has again called into question Anwar's anti-corruption credentials.
Why Are Indonesians Illegally Selling Their Kidneys?
By Aisyah Llewellyn
Jakarta's recent breaking of an organ trafficking ring has cast a light on a grim regional trade.
Why Timor-Leste Decided to Take a Stand on Myanmar
By Li-Li Chen
Southeast Asia's youngest nation is advocating for a plural and just order in the region, even at the cost of its long-sought accession to ASEAN.
Rising Cambodia Microfinance NPLs Signal Forced Land Sales, Child Labor
By David Whitehouse
The rise in non-performing loans only hints at the heavy burden of debt borne by tens of thousands of rural Cambodians.
Southeast Asian Leaders Face Thorny Issues Ahead of ASEAN Summit
By Niniek Karmini and Edna Tarigan
The Southeast Asian bloc faces a host of pressing challenges, from the crisis in Myanmar to the growing frictions in the South China Sea.