China’s Pragmatic Party Diplomacy in Southeast Asia
Wang Zheng
The Chinese Communist Party’s outreach to political parties in Southeast Asia, regardless of ideology, underscores the pragmatism in President Xi Jinping’s plan for regional influence.
Articles
Unpacking Cambodia’s 2022 Defence White Paper
Chansambath Bong
Cambodia’s 2022 Defence White Paper reiterates longstanding priorities of border security, counterterrorism and domestic stability like its predecessors, but contains an unprecedented focus on cyber defence and ambitious modernisation goals.
The Metaverse and the Importance of Personal Data Protection in Southeast Asia
Albert Jehoshua Rapha
Before Southeast Asia embraces wholesale the advent of the 'Metaverse', it is a matter of urgency for the authorities to address the current shortfalls in the protection of their citizens' personal data.
Weaponising Ho Chi Minh in Vietnamese Discourse on the War in Ukraine
Olga Dror
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, the Vietnamese government has appeared sympathetic to Moscow, unwilling to denounce its aggression. Facing criticism from some quarters of the public, Vietnam’s propaganda machine has used social media channels to justify the government’s position.
Having it Both Ways? Cambodia’s Superpower Balancing Act
Chanrith Ngin
The Cambodian People’s Party needs China, Cambodia’s top donor and investor, to sustain economic growth and reduce poverty to win the next election, which is vital to its legitimacy.
Hot and Bothered: Climate Challenges for ASEAN’s Tourism Reopening
Nguyen Thu Giang|Phi Minh Hong
Climate change will drastically affect ASEAN’s tourism industry if regional measures on climate adaptation are not taken to ameliorate its potential negative effects on key tourist sites.
Khilafatul Muslimin: Not a Serious Threat to Indonesia Yet
A'an Suryana
Khilafatul Muslimin, an Islamist organisation in Indonesia, has tried but failed to influence public opinion. But the government should keep it on a tight leash.
Southeast Asia Caught Between a Commodity Crisis and a Climate Crunch
Melinda Martinus
Southeast Asian governments are facing inflationary and climate pressures simultaneously, against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war. To back down from earlier climate promises, tempted by urgent domestic needs, would be counter-productive and short-sighted.
Southeast Asia Should Confront Threat of Economic Espionage
Gatra Priyandita
China is known for using cyber weapons to pursue geostrategic goals. In recent years, entities linked to the Chinese state have carried out alleged economic espionage of commercial firms in Southeast Asia.
Shangri-La Dialogue 2022: The Paradox of Peace and Power
Hoang Thi Ha
The duel between the ‘rule of law’ and the ‘right of might’ took centre-stage as the Shangri-La Dialogue resumed under the shadow of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Southeast Asian countries found it a hard sell to promote cooperative security and ASEAN’s broad-based mechanisms against tough talk by representatives of the major powers.