Maintaining flexibility in its diplomacy towards two big powers is the clear pragmatic option for Cambodia in today’s geopolitical climate.
Author Archives: chahaewon
Indonesia’s Nahdlatul Ulama in Turmoil
Indonesia’s largest Muslim organisation is split at its top echelons over worldly politics.
Gun Jompalang: The Grey Zone of Influencers and Warfare in the Thai-Cambodia Conflict
A Thai influencer’s controversial actions in the conflict zone between Thailand and Cambodia highlight the inadequacy of the laws of war and military protocols in this digital age.
Why Community Mining Is No Panacea for Illegal Mining
Indonesia’s push to turn illegal mines into community ventures risks simply recycling old abuses and stalling genuine prosperity for local communities as long as oversight remains weak.
Southeast Asian Countries Engaging in Export Circumvention: Not So Fast
The Trump administration has threatened to levy an additional 40 per cent reciprocal tariffs on transshipments to the US. The logic for doing this is not so clear cut.
After the Unrest: How Indonesia’s President Prabowo Regained Trust and Why It Might Not Last
The honeymoon is clearly over for Indonesia’s president as he begins his second year in office, even if a majority of the public still supports him.
Thailand Pays the Price for Unregulated Mining Boom
China is dependent on rare earth supply from parts of Myanmar which have unregulated mining that generates toxic waste. Neighbours like Thailand need to work with China and the US to address the problem.
The Trump Administration in Southeast Asia: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
The Trump administration’s recent overtures to Southeast Asia had some silver linings. But Washington risks long-term harm to its regional reputation with its transactionalism.
STAR’s Exit from GRS: Much Ado About Nothing?
Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) has withdrawn from Sabah’s ruling coalition. But this is unlikely to cause major political shifts ahead of the 29 November state polls.
Exchange Rate Stability in Vietnam: Navigating the Conflicting Policy Demands
Vietnam wants to stabilise the exchange rate amid devaluation pressure, while keeping interest rates low for economic growth. The country should be clear and prudent in balancing growth and macro stability.