Articles

21 Mar 2022

Slashing Methane Emissions: A Tricky Business

Ryan Wong|Qiu Jiahui

Reducing methane emissions is achievable, but there are several prickly issues.

18 Mar 2022

Community-led Social Cohesion in Post-Coup Myanmar: A Promising Glimmer

Aung Tun

The popular resistance has issued a clarion call for a federal democratic Myanmar, based on inclusive politics. The practice of social cohesion constitutes both a starting point for building inclusive politics, and a much-needed trust-building exercise in a heavily trust-deficient Myanmar society.

Myanmar Myanmar Politics

17 Mar 2022

Reaping the Benefits of RCEP: From Utilisation to Exports

Tham Siew Yean

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has come into force, but member countries have their work cut out for them in seeking to raise utilisation rates and exports.

Asean Trade International Trade RCEP

17 Mar 2022

Rising Support for Postponing Indonesia’s Elections? What the Data Really Says

Burhanuddin Muhtadi

Once again, key Indonesian politicians are floating trial balloons on the merits of postponing the 2024 Indonesian presidential election, citing mounting public support for it. But the data suggests otherwise.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections Indonesian Politics

16 Mar 2022

Pakatan Harapan in Johor: Fading Fan Favourites

Kevin Zhang|Francis E. Hutchinson

PH’s campaign messaging has consisted of playing its ‘fan favourites’ of good governance and anti-corruption. This is a re-run of the 2018 campaign, which successfully linked Malaysian’s economic woes to the imposition of the Goods and Service Tax (GST), the financial extravagance of former prime minister Najib Razak, and the ill-fated 1MDB.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

16 Mar 2022

Decoding Phuket Province’s Demand for Autonomy

Tita Sanglee|Michael J. Montesano

There are growing calls in Phuket, Thailand’s tourism powerhouse, to become more autonomous from the central authorities in Bangkok. While such an idea has not gained traction outside Phuket, the province might need to think deeper about what autonomy entails, and in what form.

Thai Politics Thailand

15 Mar 2022

Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: Southeast Asian Responses and Why the Conflict Matters to the Region

Ian Storey|William Choong

ASEAN’s official response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was relatively mild, reflecting the lowest common denominator of the varied positions taken by ASEAN member states. But the grouping needs to be mindful of the dangerous precedents set by Russia’s actions.

ASEAN ASEAN-Russia Relations China Ukraine

15 Mar 2022

Reforming the Philippine Electoral Commission

Cleo Calimbahin

Less than two months before the presidential elections, the Commission of Elections (COMELEC), the Philippines' independent electoral authority, has been mired in controversy itself. It is high time to reform one of the oldest election commissions in the region.

Philippine Philippine Elections Philippine Politics

14 Mar 2022

The Russia-Ukraine War: Parallels and Lessons for Vietnam

Hoang Thi Ha

Vietnam’s nuanced approach to the Russia-Ukraine war and its refusal to single out Russia’s invasion suggest introspection in Hanoi over its foreign and defence policy calculations.

China-Vietnam Relations U.S.-Vietnam Relations Ukraine Vietnam