The Philippines Needs an Air Power Strategy, Not Just New Fighters
Abdul Rahman Yaacob
As the Philippine Air Force seeks to modernise its fleet, it should start by mapping out the appropriate air strategy first
Articles
Beijing’s Restraint on Indonesia-US Trade Deal Shows What Is Truly at Stake
Luna Ge Lai|Maria Monica Wihardja
A new Indonesia-US agreement on reciprocal trade is likely to harm China’s interests. But China’s response has so far been restrained, even though it is not without remedies in its toolbox.
Fostering Talent Fleet of Foot: The Need for Harmony and Depth
Tham Siew Yean
The pursuit of high-value manufacturing and knowledge-based services has compelled ASEAN countries to develop systems to support the movement of skilled labour. There are challenges in implementing a uniform system.
Southeast Asia Holds the Key to Nature-Positive Palm Oil
Mohd Yunus
A nature-positive approach to agriculture, and specifically palm oil plantations, can marry mandates with production.
Vietnam’s Hidden Development Lesson: Markets Came Before Reform
Trang Jane Pham|Farah Ajlouni
Vietnam’s current success has a deeper explanation most might miss.
The Indonesia-US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade: Three Views on its Economic and Strategic Impacts
Iman Pambagyo|Arianto Patunru|Deasy Pane
The Indonesia-US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade was signed on 19 February 2026 but has yet to be ratified by Indonesia. In this Long Read, three experts from the government and from academia share their views on the potential impacts of the agreement on Indonesia’s economy, trade relations, domestic policy, and reform direction.
Pakatan Harapan Under Water: Can Reforms Bring It Afloat?
Lee Hwok-Aun
The ruling Pakatan Harapan has been pummelled by the ethnocentric policies of its rivals. It should live up to its reformist credo.
The 45-Minute Standard: Making Southeast Asia’s Industrial Parks Efficient and Liveable
Marco Kamiya|Wang Xingping|Dong Mingjuan
Industrial parks remain the workhorse of manufacturing-led development, but they are sometimes built as enclaves separated from surrounding communities. Southeast Asian governments should adopt a simple test: can workers, services and suppliers all be reached within 45 minutes?
Rethinking Flood Protection Through a ‘No-Regret’ Lens
Bao Tan-Hoang Nguyen
Governments in our region and beyond must plan today for tomorrow's floods, in a warming world. Regret can be minimised, if not eliminated.
The “Karenni Model”: Wartime Governance in Contested Territory
Su Mon Thazin Aung
The Karenni governance experience in Myanmar explains how wartime governance emerges and is sustained under intensified conflict, fragmented political orders, and uneven international engagement. But this requires continued efforts to maintain minimum levels of territorial security and de-escalate conflict.