Trump’s Tariff Threats and Supply Chain Bifurcation: A Lose-Lose Proposition
Jayant Menon
Trump’s threat of tariffs on various countries including China could spark a 1930s-era trade war.
Articles
Seaweed: Prospects for Decarbonisation and Food Security in Southeast Asia
Elyssa Kaur Ludher|Wei-Li Woo
Enthusiasm about seaweed has been growing due to its potential to contribute to food security, decarbonisation, and economic growth. Southeast Asia is a major global producer of seaweed; Indonesia and the Philippines are among the top-producing countries. The region’s millions of farmers could potentially benefit from an expansion of the industry.
Parsing the Politicking Behind the Police
Paul Chambers
The reforms of the Royal Thai Police give some semblance of movement. But politicking remains at the heart of the system.
China’s Pop Fiction Boom Poses a Dilemma for the Party
Kornphanat Tungkeunkunt
The export of Chinese pop fiction has found ready markets in Southeast Asia such as Thailand. But some undesirable genres pose a dilemma for China’s soft power.
The Political Economy of Vietnam’s North-South High-Speed Rail Project
Nguyen Khac Giang
Today, Vietnam is arguably better positioned, both financially and geopolitically, to move forward with the North-South High Speed Rail project. However, the feasibility of this ambitious megaproject hinges on a careful cost-benefit analysis, which is fraught with uncertainty.
Politically Proofing the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone for Credibility and Durability
Adib Zalkapli
There is positive sentiment on both sides of the Causeway about the proposed special economic zone in Johor. However, the project needs to be future-proofed against potential political complications up north.
Locating Theravāda Buddhism in Maritime Southeast Asia
Jack Meng-Tat Chia
Theravāda Buddhist communities across maritime Southeast Asia have long adapted to local conditions. Even today, believers are finding new ways of transmitting the faith to younger adherents.
Japan-ROK-US Trilateral Relations: Flying into Turbulence
Joanne Lin|William Choong
The political tides are going against the recently impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. This could adversely affect the trilateral security arrangement involving Japan, South Korea and the US.
Should Selangor Take Kuala Lumpur Back?
Tricia Yeoh
There is talk of integrating Kuala Lumpur into Selangor again. However, before considering reintegration, the capital’s governance and residents' needs must be addressed.
Political Storm in Sabah: Can Hajiji Noor and GRS Survive the Scandal?
Arnold Puyok
Another scandal has rocked the state government in Sabah. But it is too early to tell whether it will deal the death blow to the government.