Defence Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Russia on 31 July 2024 was a signal that his administration intends to pursue a balanced foreign policy vis-à-vis the major powers, and one that envisages a bigger role for Russia.
Author Archives: chahaewon
DAP’s Party Polls in Penang: Partial Peace or Personality Politics?
The Democratic Action Party’s recent election underscored that it struggles with reconciling personalities as well as different priorities between generations and its national leadership and local grassroots.
The People’s Vision for Regional Decarbonisation in Southeast Asia
How the region’s populations view decarbonisation as energy transition occurs can inform stronger leadership and better policymaking at the elite level.
Could Elections Provide a Way Out of Myanmar’s Political Crisis?
A small window into how the Myanmar people regard the viability of elections reveals plenty of mixed feelings about the country’s political future.
Vietnam’s New Helmsman: What to Expect from To Lam?
Vietnam has a younger, more energetic leader who appears to be covering all bases, domestic and international. What might the future hold for him and his country?
Cambodia Has Not Tilted Away from China
Cambodia’s perceived tilt towards the West has not come at the expense of its relations with Beijing. The country has maintained its diversified foreign policy position.
The Controversy on Rain Shamans in Aceh: Sharia, Local Tradition, and Modernisation
Negative reactions in Aceh to the ritual of rain shamanism do not mask the contradiction of parts of the Islamic community tolerating ‘Islamic shamanism’ or mysticism and ritual over science and modernity.
Takeaways from SEACO2024: Rising Food Insecurity, Growing Concern for Climate Change’s Impacts
The just-released Southeast Asia Climate Outlook Survey (SEACO2024) finds rising food insecurity due to climate change. The region must heed the clarion call to robustly improve food production, distribution, and access.
Competitiveness and Geopolitics: Why Thailand Chose Gripen Aircraft
The thinking behind the Thai air force’s latest acquisitions reflects not just geopolitical considerations but also internal preferences of its senior ranks.
The Battle for Sabah: Key Players, Critical Issues and Potential Scenarios
Sabah’s political landscape is notably fluid and polarised, characterised by frequent changes in government and deep divisions along territorial, ethnic, party, and personality lines. Critical issues for the upcoming state election (to be held by December 2025) include economic development disparities, infrastructure challenges, and the contentious Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) debate.