Articles

2 Jul 2021

All Abuzz About an Anti-parasite Drug

Lee Sue-Ann

A divisive debate has broken out in regional social media over the use of ivermectin to treat Covid-19. The focus of the debate should remain squarely on its effectiveness as a therapeutic treatment for the coronavirus.

2 Jul 2021

After Black Sea Encounter, British FONOP in the South China Sea Quite Possible

Ian Storey

As a British Carrier Strike Group heads towards Southeast Asia, speculation is rife that a Royal Navy warship will conduct a freedom of navigation operation (FONOP) in the South China Sea. A recent incident in the Black Sea may shorten the odds of that happening.

China Russia South China Sea U.S. UK

1 Jul 2021

Pandemics and Festivals: Will Covid-19 Transform Our Cultural Events in Future?

Steve K.L. Chan|Kevin S.Y. Tan

In Southeast Asia, mass participation at important cultural festivals amidst a pandemic has contributed to the tragic loss of life. The question is whether and how we can preserve such deeply cherished events without jeopardising precious lives.

COVID-19 Health Religion Southeast Asia

1 Jul 2021

When the Pandemic Spreads Another “Fever”: Regional Autonomy

Tita Sanglee

Some Thai provinces are learning to adapt quickly to the Covid-19 pandemic. This might drive regional efforts for greater independence from Bangkok.

COVID-19 Health Thailand

30 Jun 2021

Sino-Myanmar Ties: “Pauk Phaw” Relationship or For China’s Benefit?

Courtney T. Wittekind

China and Myanmar are said to have a “pauk phaw” or fraternal relationship. Many people in Myanmar, however, are clear-eyed about the limits of the bond.

Aung San Suu Kyi China China-Myanmar Relations Myanmar

30 Jun 2021

PLA Overflight near Malaysian Airspace: A Precarious Provocation

Abdul Razak Ahmad|Kuik Cheng-Chwee|Lai Yew Meng

China’s deployment of People’s Liberation Army Air Force aircraft near Malaysia’s air space last month smacks of hypocrisy and creeping hegemony. Beijing may not be as benevolent as it wants smaller states to believe.

China China-Malaysia Relations Malaysia South China Sea

30 Jun 2021

To Lockdown or Not? Indonesia’s Dilemma in Handling the Covid-19 Second Wave

Yanuar Nugroho

The Jokowi government appears to be on the verge of imposing a hard lockdown to curb a second wave of Covid-19 infections. But this belies longstanding hesitancy to adopt drastic measures that could hurt the economy.

COVID-19 Health Indonesia Indonesian Economy Indonesian Politics

28 Jun 2021

The Pandemic and Push Towards a Digital Economy: Greater Inequality?

Jayant Menon

The Covid-19 pandemic and the concurrent push towards a digital economy may worsen inequalities. But digitalisation in some parts of Southeast Asia may also increase inclusion, connectivity and incomes in areas where there is freer trade and movement of labour and capital.

COVID-19 Income Inequality Techonology

28 Jun 2021

Give It Another Shot, Uncle Sam

Charles Dunst

As it pertains to Washington’s relations with Southeast Asia, the Biden Administration is not faring much better than its predecessor. A low-hanging fruit would be the supply of Covid-19 vaccines.

ASEAN China-U.S. Relations COVID-19 Southeast Asia U.S. Vaccine Diplomacy

25 Jun 2021

Indonesia’s Covid-19 Surge: Contradictions and Criticism

Max Lane

Indonesia’s latest Covid-19 surge has piled pressure on the Widodo government, which is under pressure to reconsider some form of lockdown to rein in the spread of the coronavirus.

COVID-19 Health Indonesia Islam Religion