Indonesia’s ‘In-Between’ Foreign Policy
Radityo Dharmaputra
Indonesia has sound reasons for consistently staking out a diplomatic middle ground, but not taking sides on all issues could leave no one impressed.
Articles
Passage Through Hormuz in a Time of War and Peace
Nilufer Oral
Many legal experts have used the aegis of international law to challenge Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The reality, however, is that the application of international law to the situation is more nuanced.
Media Literacy in Malaysia: A Vital Reliance on Network Confirmation
Benjamin Y.H. Loh
This Long Read reports findings from a study investigating how Malaysians practise media literacy in a fast-moving and often untrustworthy media landscape. A key finding is that respondents with busy schedules who still want to verify the information they come across, turn to leveraging trusted social networks.
The War Against Iran and the Fragility of Southeast Asia’s Energy Responses
Elbinsar Purba
The US-Israeli war against Iran has underscored Southeast Asia’s vulnerability when it comes to energy supplies. But regional countries need to think beyond stopgap measures.
Japan-ASEAN’s vision for “Co-Creating” AI
Angeline Tan|Kei Koga
Amid growing Sino-US rivalry and technological bifurcation, Japan and ASEAN should work together on “co-creating” AI models which are more inclusive.
The Energy Crisis is Hitting Myanmar Hard
Jared Bissinger
Rising fuel, fertiliser and logistics prices are squeezing the Myanmar economy — a dire state compounded by conflict and political risks.
When War Hits the Poor Hardest: What Needs to be Done
Jayant Menon
The poor in Southeast Asia are bearing the brunt of the economic impacts from the war in the Middle East. Governments will need to refocus priorities to limit harm.
To Lam’s Consolidation of Power: Implications for Vietnam’s Political and Economic Prospects
Le Hong Hiep
To Lam has become Vietnam’s supreme dominant leader. This has both positive and negative implications.
Popularity, Platforms and Potential Power: The Political Rise of Indonesian Governors
Burhanuddin Muhtadi
Budget cuts have not dented the top-performing governors’ popularity in Indonesia. What’s the secret to their success?
The State of Southeast Asia 2026 Survey
Amid the Geostrategic Uncertainties, Firms Need the Reassurance of Business Continuity
Kristina Fong Siew Leng
Businesses today especially value stability and deeper economic integration to mitigate risk, and are more worried about growing US economic influence, as reflected in private sector responses to the State of Southeast Asia 2026 Survey.