Navigating Trump 2.0 Tariffs: Keep Calm and Carry On
Kristina Fong Siew Leng
Southeast Asian countries are likely to be caught up in the crossfire between China and the US. But there could be a silver lining.
Articles
Growing Piety among Malaysian Youth Should be Taken with a Pinch of Salt
Norshahril Saat
The ISEAS Youth Survey 2024 results show that religiosity in leaders is important to Malay/Muslim students but bread-and-butter issues may be more critical to them.
Border Crackdown on Organised Crime Puts Vulnerable Myanmar Population in Thailand at Risk
Nyi Nyi Kyaw
The authorities of affected countries should crack down on crime at the Thailand-Myanmar border. However, they should also consider what the human cost of such policing might be for thousands of displaced and vulnerable Myanmar citizens.
Chinese Streaming Content in Southeast Asia: Opportunities for Thailand
Kornphanat Tungkeunkunt
China is using popular drama series to expand its soft power in Southeast Asia, and in particular, Thailand.
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.
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.