President Joko Widodo’s Image Problems
Max Lane
The opposition’s weakness means that the Indonesian president’s recent problems carry few political costs – for the moment.
Articles
Japan’s Diplomatic Note on the South China Sea: Internationalising the Dispute Amid Chinese Pressure
Nguyen Hong Thao
Japan’s latest note verbale to the United Nations on the South China Sea was done out of its national interest. Nonetheless, it shows that Tokyo – and a growing coalition of countries – are digging in their heels to uphold the aegis of international law in the region.
State Governments and the 2021 Emergency: Unfettered Powers at the Centre
Tricia Yeoh
Malaysia’s declared state of Emergency has given the federal government sweeping powers to intervene into the affairs of the country’s 13 states.
The Ethics of Covid-19 Vaccination
Cassey Lee
Who should be vaccinated, and who should be vaccinated first are the ethical and practical questions facing all governments.
Communist Party of Vietnam Leadership Appointments – The Geography Factor
Ha Hoang Hop|Lye Liang Fook
The Communist Party of Vietnam’s upcoming 13th National Congress will see appointments to the country’s highest political offices. To date, the general secretary and prime minister are selected from two different regions. This a top-down practice that nurtures political groups whose members are connected by their geographical origins. There are indications that Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Tran Quoc Vuong, current standing member of the CPV’s Secretariat, are candidates for the position of general secretary. The former is from the Centre (a break from tradition), while the latter is a Northerner.
Thailand’s Second Covid-19 Outbreak: Corruption and Its Consequences
Punchada Sirivunnabood
Thailand is facing a second coronavirus outbreak. This time, however, the fight may be protracted because the causes stem from endemic corruption.
The Death of a Young, Moderate Charismatic Preacher
A'an Suryana|Norshahril Saat
Syekh Ali Jaber had become a surprise force for moderate Islam in Indonesia.
The CPV’s 15th Plenum: “The Art of the Possible” in Vietnamese Politics
Le Hong Hiep
The Communist Party of Vietnam, which is set to make some historic appointments to its top echelons, shows that Vietnamese politicians know how to master “the art of the possible”.
Malaysia’s Declaration of Emergency Keeps PM Muhyiddin’s Window Open
Francis E. Hutchinson|Kevin Zhang
Malaysia’s King has put parliamentary politics on hold to the undoubted benefit of the current prime minister.
Official Chinese Lending: Why the Easy Money is Drying Up
Muhammad Saad Siddiqui
A new study suggests that official Chinese lending has dropped in recent years. This stems from lessons learnt after a decade of mistakes in overseas lending. Despite the decline, the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative shows no signs of slowing.