Turning the Tide: Vietnam’s War Against Plastic Waste
Nguyen Khac Giang
Vietnam has ambitious targets to tackle the challenge posed by plastic waste. But the key here is effective enforcement and implementation.
Articles
Human Capital Development Programmes in Indonesia: Electoral Gimmicks or Achievable Promises?
Yanuar Nugroho
A clear-eyed look at the various candidates’ proposals for improving Indonesia’s human capital development suggests that the devil will be in the implementation, not the targets per se.
Myanmar Military Losing Control: A Culmination of Past Policy Errors?
Wai Moe
Years of shifting resources away from the Myanmar army and changing requirements for its senior ranks have led to its current weaknesses on the battlefield. Are the junta fielding men of straw?
The Dilemma of Political Involvement among Muslim Theologians in Indonesia
Norshahril Saat|Ahmad Muhajir
This Long Read focuses on the political views of a spectrum of Indonesian Islamic theologians, whose support is often sought by political aspirants seeking to raise their religious credentials as election campaigning heats up.
The Philippines-Japan Security Relationship: A New Golden Age?
Aries A. Arugay|Mico A Galang
While Japanese PM Kishida’s recent visit to Manila points to the upward momentum of the Japan-Philippines Strategic Partnership, it will also be a litmus test of Japan’s strategic goals in the rest of Southeast Asia.
Myanmar’s Recent Crackdowns on Corruption: Law Enforcement or Reputation Repair?
Wai Moe
Two former confidantes of Myanmar’s Senior General have been convicted of corruption and sentenced to prison. Their oversight of economic portfolios, and failure to stabilise rising prices, suggest that they are also scapegoats for the regime’s policy failures.
Common Goal for Myanmar’s Warring Groups: Currying Favour With China
Kyi Sin
In an unexpected twist, the warring groups in Myanmar’s civil war have a unified goal: combatting cybercrime and ingratiating themselves with China.
PAS’s Long-Term Play Is to Go Its Own Way
James Chai
Parti Islam SeMalaysia, the political party which has the most seats in Parliament, intends to capture the reins of federal power. This time, however, it plans to do so on its own.
The Race is On! Indonesia’s 2024 Presidential Candidates Assessed
Julia Lau|Made Supriatma
It will be a tough fight in next February’s presidential election in Indonesia. There is time for the race odds to shift but the stakes are already clear.
Impact of Gaza Crisis on China’s Interests in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific
Lee Han Yin
China would seek to prevent a wider escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. It is also monitoring whether U.S. involvement in the conflict will affect Washington’s focus on constraining Beijing in Asia.