Region
Southeast Asia
Philippine Court Tosses Final Tax Charge Against Nobel Laureate
By Sebastian Strangio
Maria Ressa and her publication Rappler have once again scored a legal victory against charges brought under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Malaysia Flags Ban on Export of Rare Earth Minerals
By Sebastian Strangio
As with similar recent restrictions in Indonesia, the goal is to stimulate the development of a domestic processing industry.
Can ASEAN Find a Role in the Rapidly Evolving Indo-Pacific Reconfiguration?
By David Cohen and Alexandra Koch
The Southeast Asian bloc needs to re-examine its foundational principles in order to keep pace with a quickly changing region.
Australia, Philippines Agree to Upgrade Bilateral Relationship
By Sebastian Strangio
As with U.S.-Philippine ties, relations between Canberra and Manila have advanced rapidly since President Rodrigo Duterte left office.
Malaysian Youth Party Defects From Ruling Coalition Over Corruption Cases
By Sebastian Strangio
The defection has deprived Anwar Ibrahim's government of its two-thirds parliamentary majority in Parliament.
In Search of Hun Manet’s Bristol University PhD Thesis
By David Whitehouse
In 2009, Cambodia's new prime minister was awarded a doctorate in economics – but it is nearly impossible to access his thesis.
Srettha’s First Foreign Policy Mistake: Passing on the ASEAN Summit
By Mark S. Cogan
Thailand's new prime minister prioritized domestic political duties over attending to the troubled regional organization.
Overcoming Differences, Looking to the Future: The Next Step for the US-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
By Khang Vu
Despite the significant upgrade to its relationship with the United States, China will continue to loom large in Vietnam's calculations.
Biden Says US Outreach to Vietnam is About Providing Global Stability, Not Containing China
By Josh Boak and Aamer Madhani
During his visit to Hanoi, Biden and his hosts upgraded their relationship to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.
A New Era Is Dawning in US-Vietnam Relations
By Jonathan D. London
The coming upgrade of the bilateral relationship between Washington and Hanoi is a milestone for the region – and the world.
Press Watchdogs Condemn Myanmar Photojournalist’s ‘Grotesque’ Imprisonment
By Sebastian Strangio
Photographer Sai Zaw Thaike was sentenced to 20 years in prison, the harshest term handed down against any journalist since the 2021 coup.
Why the Philippines Needs to Work With the Pacific Island Nations
By Rej Cortez Torrecampo and Karla S. Cruz
In an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, Manila has good reasons to develop relations with other archipelagic states, including those to its south and east.