Outlook 2025
The South China Sea in 2025: More of the Same, Possibly Worse
Ian Storey
The prognosis for tensions in the South China Sea dispute this year is pretty straightforward: what has been and is will continue to be so, and perhaps even worse.
Articles
Fanning the Yellow Flames of Thai Politics: Not So Fast
Napon Jatusripitak
A media mogul is attempting to rally protestors against the Pheu Thai-led government. The call to action, however, might not resonate beyond a small core of anti-Thaksin hardliners.
2024 Top 10
Chinese in Malaysia: Proud of China’s Rise, Yet Fiercely Malaysian
Peter T. C. Chang
Chinese Malaysians are proud of China’s rise as a great power. But they have also forged a separate cultural identity quite apart from China’s efforts.
2024 Top 10
The ‘Second China Shock’ and its Implications for Southeast Asia
John Lee
China’s progress up the technological ladder will impact Southeast Asian economies.
2024 Top 10
The Philippines’ Near-Standoff with China at Sabina Shoal: Bolstering Preventive Deployment
Edcel John A. Ibarra
The Philippines has tried a new tactic of preventive deployment at Sabina Shoal but more must be done.
2024 Top 10
Malaysia’s Purchase of Kuwaiti Hornets: Is It Worth It?
Olli Pekka Suorsa
On the surface, Malaysia’s planned purchase of Hornet fighter jets from Kuwait looks prudent. But there are deeper considerations to mull over.
2024 Top 10
Nguyen Phu Trong’s Incomplete Legacy in Vietnam
Le Hong Hiep|Nguyen Khac Giang
The steadfast leadership of Vietnam’s General Secretary has ironically created a potential leadership vacuum, as succession planning has not been one of his strong suits, unlike anti-corruption and other stellar achievements.
2024 Top 10
Indonesia’s Largest Muslim Organisation Mired in Controversy After Youth Cadres’ Visit to Israel
A'an Suryana|Syafiq Hasyim
Whether they were made use of or knew what they were doing, the actions of five young Nadhlatul Ulama members during their recent trip to Israel have stirred up a hornet’s nest.
2024 Top 10
Two Presidents Ousted in One Year: What Lies Ahead for Vietnam’s Political Outlook?
Le Hong Hiep
Vietnam President Vo Van Thuong will be replaced. The primary task of the country’s leaders now is to find his replacement and steady the keel.
2024 Top 10
The Return of Melaka Gateway: Scaled-down Ambitions
Tham Siew Yean
What was touted as a mega project in the form of the Melaka Gateway is now a shadow of its former self. There remains, however, significant challenges for the envisioned cruise terminal.