Race for Vietnam’s Top Job: New Candidates, Old Challenges
Le Hong Hiep
Vietnam has made two high-profile political replacements. But the question remains as to which candidate would be the country’s next general secretary.
Articles
Vietnam Must Not Let Political Rumours Online Undermine Its Anti-Corruption Campaign
Nguyen Thanh Giang
Although it is not easy to pinpoint the leaker of each rumour, the disseminators of such leaks are famous, well-connected social media influencers.
Assessing Prabowo-Gibran’s Victory: An Exit-Poll Aftermath Analysis of the 2024 Presidential Election
Burhanuddin Muhtadi|Kennedy Muslim
The victory of the Prabowo-Gibran team in Indonesia's 2024 presidential elections was due to Jokowi's high approval rating and support from young voters. The Bansos social assistance scheme also maintained support for Jokowi which in turn boosted support for Prabowo-Gibran indirectly.
The State of Southeast Asia Survey
Why the Russia-Ukraine War Continues to Fret Southeast Asia
Ian Storey
Despite the Russia-Ukraine war’s geographical distance from Southeast Asia, the conflict continues to be a major concern for the region’s elite, especially in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.
China’s Supposed “Change” in Policy Towards Chinese Overseas: Nothing to See Here
Leo Suryadinata
Recent remarks by a senior Chinese leader about Beijing’s position towards foreign nationals of Chinese descent (huaren) appears to show some change in official policy. But Beijing has largely taken a consistent position.
Thailand’s Minimum Wage Conundrum: Populist Promise or Productive Policy?
Peter Warr
At the May 2023 election, Prime Minister Sretta Thavisin’s Pheu Thai Party promised to double Thailand’s minimum wage. His administration should focus on raising labour productivity rather than pursuing short-term populist policies.
The Risks and Perceived Rewards of Rising Revivalist Populism in Malaysia
Syaza Shukri
The unhelpful antics of a particular populist politician in Malaysia reflect the dangers of playing up differences when a country needs unity.
Film Tourism in Southeast Asia: Between Boon, Bane and Balance
Dorcas Gan
Dorcas Gan investigates the opportunities and challenges arising from promoting film tourism in Southeast Asia.
Politics of Memory in Vietnam: A War Fought Twice
Nguyen Khac Giang
Hanoi’s silence over a Pulitzer Prize-winning book by a Vietnamese-American author speaks volumes about the country’s treatment of its wartime history.
The Ambiguous Response of Indonesian Muslims to Iran’s Attack on Israel
Syafiq Hasyim
Iran’s missile and drone attack against Israel in retaliation against the 1 April air strike on an Iranian consulate building in Damascus has drawn mixed reactions among Indonesia’s Muslim leaders. The theological divide, however, will limit Indonesian solidarity with Iran.