Fulcrum: Putting the Spotlight on Southeast Asia
Choi Shing Kwok
fulcrum /ˈfʊlkrə/, /ˈfʌlkrə/ ) (physics) the point on which a lever turns or is supported. [usually singular] the most important part of an activity or a situation.
Articles
Thai Political Protests: Drifting into Uncharted Waters
Termsak Chalermpalanupap
The political temperature in Thailand is set to raise, as protest leaders up the ante and demand the reform of the monarchy. A separate process of constitutional amendment in Parliament will skirt the contentious issue.
Affirming ASEAN’s East Asian Centrality
Malcolm Cook
The signing of the 15-member Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership is significant, and not only due to the fact that the trade deal will cover a third of the world’s population and GDP. The RCEP also affirms the power of the East Asia concept and ASEAN’s centrality within it.
Malaysia’s “Stand United” Budget Heading Into Testy Debate
Kevin Zhang|Lee Hwok-Aun
Malaysia’s 2021 budget strikes a conciliatory tone, but it will face some vigorous debate in parliament.
The Return of a Firebrand Cleric: Consolidation of Islamic Vigilantism?
Ahmad Najib Burhani
The return of a firebrand cleric to Indonesia will have an impact on the dynamics of religiosity in the country. It will also empower and consolidate groups opposed to the government of Joko Widodo.
Voting as Civic Duty, A New Norm in Myanmar
Nyi Nyi Kyaw
The reasons for voting in Myanmar are helping to consolidate its new democracy.
Demography and Democratisation
Kevin S.Y. Tan
Thailand’s current political demonstrations suggest that demography matters for democracy.
What if General Prayut Resigns?
Termsak Chalermpalanupap
Prime Minister General Prayut’s resignation would complicate, not moderate, Thailand’s current political turmoil.
Myanmar Elections: Change the Only Constant
Moe Thuzar
As vote counts stream in from Sunday’s general elections, the expectation is that the majority of voters have chosen the incumbent party. This is a reflection of their desire for slow and gradual change in the country’s development.
China-US Competition: Southeast Asia Can Decide What’s Best
Lye Liang Fook
Southeast Asian countries prefer a healthy balance of power between major powers in the region. This is often overlooked by China and the United States, which want them to take a stand on issues of concern.