‘Dark Indonesia’ and the Anxiety of Indonesian Middle Class
Burhanuddin Muhtadi
The series of student and civil society protests across Indonesia and some recent surveys reveal a middle class for which all is not well.
Articles
Xi Jinping’s ‘Great Rejuvenation of the Pan-Chinese Nation’: A Historical Perspective
Mara Yue Du
Xi Jinping’s vision for the “Great Rejuvenation of the Pan-Chinese Nation” and “China Dream” emphasises a shared ancestry and cultural identity among ethnic Chinese, both within China and abroad. Through “united front work,” the People’s Republic of China (PRC) thus seeks to unite “Chinese sons and daughters at home and abroad” under a common civilisational narrative. Despite its rhetoric of unity and shared heritage, however, the PRC offers limited legal and political protection to overseas Chinese.
Myanmar’s Military Regime is Violating its International Economic Obligations
Jared Bissinger
Myanmar’s violations of its international economic obligations contribute to inflation and increasingly impoverish the country’s population. They also threaten to diminish the impact of financial assistance for Myanmar’s recent earthquake.
The State of Southeast Asia Survey 2025
Making the EU a Credible Economic Hedge for ASEAN
Kristina Fong Siew Leng
Against a more uncertain global economic backdrop, the European Union and ASEAN face greater urgency to strengthen economic engagement and strategic partnerships.
The State of Southeast Asia Survey 2025
Beijing Retains Considerable Weight in Regional Perceptions
Sharon Seah|Eugene R.L. Tan
Despite some apprehension about its actions, Beijing continues to retain considerable weight among Southeast Asian elites. This should improve if China learns to temper its assertiveness, particularly in the South China Sea.
Prayer and Prejudice: Marginalisation of Malaysian Hindus
Sharifah Afra Alatas
The current Unity Government in Malaysia needs to take stronger action against individuals who upset the country’s delicate multi-religious fabric.
Migrant Agriculture Workers: Potential Resource for Southeast Asia’s Food-resilient Future
Elyssa Kaur Ludher
Farm labourers returning from overseas can, if empowered, form a pool of experienced talent that Southeast Asia’s vulnerable agricultural sector can tap into for food security.
Australia Rues “Extreme Strategic Loneliness”
Nick Bisley
Fulcrum editor William Choong discusses Australia’s strategic choices amid intensifying Sino-US rivalry and increased geopolitical flux with Prof Nick Bisley.
The Two-Term Limit on Prime Ministerial Tenures: Timely and Tantalising
Francis E. Hutchinson
PM Anwar Ibrahim supports a term limit on Malaysia’s premiership. Momentum for reform under his administration has been limited, and such a measure would rekindle support among the urban electorate. If Anwar spearheads the change, few may begrudge him a bid for a second term.
Autonomous Driving and Southeast Asia: Will it Hit the Road?
Shi Youwei
Chinese and American firms are seeking to export their autonomous driving technologies to Southeast Asia. The signal lesson is that their data-driven models require sensitivity and adaptation to the region’s diverse markets.