Myanmar’s Elections: Blacking Out from a Clash Between “Red” and “Green”
Nyi Nyi Kyaw
Myanmar’s November elections are still a way away, but partisan warfare between the so-called “reds” and “greens” has already erupted on Facebook.
Articles
Islamist Groups: Jokowi and the Horns of a Dilemma
Syafiq Hasyim
Islamist groups have been on the up on up in Indonesia. However, a failure to foster unity in the ranks will not bode well for their political fortunes.
The Chini By-Election: A Step Forward for Muafakat Nasional, But Mind the Gap
Francis E. Hutchinson|Kevin Zhang
UMNO’s thumping victory in the recent Chini by-election was not unexpected. The solid Malay support displayed during the poll, however, presages a deeper fissure within the Perikatan Nasional coalition.
Thai Cabinet Overhaul in the Offing?
Termsak Chalermpalanupap
Thailand will soon be looking at another cabinet reshuffle. But there is more than meets the eye. The prime minister’s relationship with the ruling Phalang Pracharat Party remains tenuous.
Smaller Countries in the Asia-Pacific: Mired in the Middling Middle
William Choong
Rising Sino-US rivalry and a rapidly changing geopolitical environment means that smaller states in the Asia-Pacific are increasingly compelled to “choose sides” between the two major powers. They are, however, not short of options.
Australia’s 2020 Defence Strategic Update: Red Alert, Down Under
Malcolm Cook
Australia’s recently-released defence update may be the most consequential document in terms of Canberra’s defence relations with Southeast Asia. Australia is asking its Southeast Asia partners to do more, while offering them more in return.
Call for Coalition Government in Myanmar Is Premature
Nyi Nyi Kyaw
Some political parties have called on the ruling National League for Democracy to form a coalition government come the November polls. Such a tactic is premature.
A Covid-19-Induced Export Slump: Magnifying a Malaysian Malaise
Tham Siew Yean
A historic slump in Malaysia’s exports has been attributed to the coronavirus sweeping across the region. But the fall is indicative of a deeper, structural weakness in the economy.
South China Sea: Indonesia Crosses Swords with China
Leo Suryadinata
Indonesia has recently taken a firmer position vis-à-vis China on the South China Sea. Those who think that Jakarta is assuming the leadership mantle of ASEAN on the issue will be disappointed; the more assertive stance derives from Jakarta’s own interests.
Thai Government: The Question of Legitimacy
Supalak Ganjanakhundee
Thailand’s tough lèse majesté laws do not appear to have stifled expressions of resistance against the monarchy. Perhaps a review and relook of the laws surrounding perceived offenses to the monarchy is in order.