Malaysia’s Evolving Monarchy: Adaptation and Expansion Amid Uncertainty
Kai Ostwald
The monarchy in Malaysia has in recent years expanded its influence and agency. At the same time, expectations of the institution have also evolved.
Articles
Indonesia’s Probable Foreign Policy Shift from the West under a Prabowo Administration
Melinda Martinus
Under Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia is expected to further distance itself from traditional Western alliances — a trend initiated during Jokowi’s administration — by prioritising partnerships within Asia, particularly with China for trade and investment, and strengthening regional cooperation through ASEAN and BRICS.
Southeast Asia Countries Won’t Let War in Ukraine Affect Ties with Russia
Ian Storey
President Donald Trump wants to force an end to the Russia-Ukraine war and improve relations with Russia. Many Southeast Asian countries will welcome an end to hostilities, an easing of US-Russia tensions and stronger relations with Moscow.
Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone: Transformative or Tempting?
Francis E. Hutchinson
The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone has a compelling argument. But it may not be as transformative as it is touted to be.
Mending Fences: Vietnam and Cambodia’s Diplomatic Reset
Nguyen Khac Giang
The Ho Chi Minh City Summit signals a pragmatic reset in Vietnam-Cambodia relations, driven by economic interests rather than ideology. Successful cooperation would bring the added advantage of enhancing their collective bargaining power with external actors and strategic flexibility as the great power competition intensifies.
Selling Dreams Versus Same as Before: A Tale of Two Provinces
Duncan McCargo
In contesting the recent provincial administrative office elections, the People’s Party did not learn from the lessons of the past.
Rodrigo Duterte’s Trial Before the International Criminal Court: Unprecedented
Aries A. Arugay|Michael T. Tiu Jr.
The International Criminal Court’s warrant of arrest against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is a significant step to hold him accountable for alleged crimes committed during his anti-drug drive.
Trump’s Reciprocal Tariff Policy: Implications for Southeast Asia
Jayant Menon
The implications of the Trump administration’s reciprocal tariff policy on Southeast Asia are still unclear, as certain questions need to be answered.
Challenges and Priorities for Myanmar’s Conflicted Economy
Jared Bissinger
Myanmar’s economy in 2024 continued to struggle with slow growth, high inflation, increasing poverty, and declining real wages. Its near-term economic prospects are weak, weighed down by conflict, outmigration, uncertainty, and State Administration Council (SAC) policies that extract from the real economy to resource the regime.
COMAC’s C919 in Southeast Asia: Needs More than Price to Take Flight
Tang Meng Kit
China’s COMAC is touting its C919 aircraft as a cost-effective alternative to the Airbus-Boeing duopoly. Success, however, depends on overcoming significant challenges such as certification and establishing reliable maintenance networks.