Trump 2.0 and Thailand: Transactional Realism
Paul Chambers
The return of Donald Trump to the White House has raised concerns about the health of US-Thailand relations. But some of the fears are overdone.
Articles
Rebel Violence in Myanmar and NUG’s Crisis of Legitimacy
Htet Hlaing Win
Some law enforcement groups under the parallel National Unity Government (NUG) have become a danger to civilians. Their actions threaten to undermine the NUG's legitimacy.
Online and Offline Support for Marriage Equality in Thailand
Panarat Anamwathana
What explains Thailand’s landmark Marriage Equality Law, which came into effect last month?
Malaysia’s Bumiputera Transformation 2035 Needs Rigour, Fairness and Self-Awareness
Lee Hwok-Aun
The Anwar administration’s PuTERA35 transformation plan for the next decade underscores the prevailing socioeconomic gaps in the Bumiputera community’s participation, capability, and ownership. Whether the community makes the long-desired breakthroughs will hinge on rigorous policy formulation, coordination, and execution.
Vietnam’s Era of ‘National Rise’: Great Expectations
Phan Xuan Dung
To Lam, Vietnam’s General Secretary, intends to usher his country into a new period of “national rise”. But the accelerated nature of his goal will be challenging.
Can Japan Provide Stability to Southeast Asia Amid US Uncertainty?
Joanne Lin|William Choong
The Japanese leader’s trips to Malaysia and Indonesia signify the country’s desire to be a stable force in Southeast Asia with deeper military, economic and green energy ties as Trump takes office and China’s influence continues to grow.
Riau Islands 2024 Gubernatorial Election: Decisive Win Despite Low Voter Turnout
Ady Muzwardi|Siwage Dharma Negara
A controversial eco-city project, welfare issues, and a political rift in the ranks of the challenger helped the incumbent come out on top.
Myanmar in 2025: Change or Plus ça Change?
Kyaw Yin Hlaing|Kyi Sin|Jared Bissinger|Su Mon Thazin Aung|Moe Thuzar
Despite hopes for change, things may stay the same or worsen in Myanmar, as the junta’s fight against resistance groups and civilians continues into another year.
Assessing Indonesia’s Relations with the US After Joining BRICS
Siwage Dharma Negara|Leo Suryadinata
Indonesia has joined the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa organisation. How will this impact its ties with the United States?
Public Caning in Terengganu: Full Implementation of Sharia Law in Malaysia?
Mohd Faizal Musa
An unprecedented public caning in Terengganu could pave the way for similar punishments in other states. This could lead to the full implementation of Syariah law.