President Donald Trump wants to force an end to the Russia-Ukraine war and improve relations with Russia. Many Southeast Asian countries will welcome an end to hostilities, an easing of US-Russia tensions and stronger relations with Moscow.
Author Archives: Isabelle Chua
Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone: Transformative or Tempting?
The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone has a compelling argument. But it may not be as transformative as it is touted to be.
Challenges and Priorities for Myanmar’s Conflicted Economy
Myanmar’s economy in 2024 continued to struggle with slow growth, high inflation, increasing poverty, and declining real wages. Its near-term economic prospects are weak, weighed down by conflict, outmigration, uncertainty, and State Administration Council (SAC) policies that extract from the real economy to resource the regime.
Why Thai and Indonesian Youth Oppose Increasing Military Influence in Society
Compared to young people in other Southeast Asian countries, Thai and Indonesian undergraduates are the most wary of potential military influence over their countries’ politics and their own lives.
A Return to Political Chaos? The Philippines’ Impeachment Saga
Vice-President Sara Duterte’s upcoming impeachment trial will have a major impact on whether political stability in the Philippines is upended or maintained.
Malaysian Youth: Mixed Views on Clean Governance Amid Stability
An ISEAS survey appears to indicate that Malaysian youth have taken concerns about corruption in their stride.
Vietnam-Ukraine Ties: More Engagement, More Balanced Approach?
Vietnam, traditionally seen to be more allied with Russia, has recently increased its diplomatic engagements with Ukraine. This could result in Vietnam taking a more neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine war.
The Anwar-Thaksin Deal: A Masterstroke or Miscalculation?
Anwar Ibrahim, the prime minister of Malaysia, has roped in former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra as his informal advisor ahead of Kuala Lumpur assuming the ASEAN chairmanship. This might be ill-advised.
Myanmar’s Worsening Human Resource Crisis
Four years of civil strife and conflict, compounded by forced conscription, have led to Myanmar’s dire human resources crunch.
Prabowo Should Take Heed of Discontent Among Indonesian Youth
Indonesian youth are unhappy about the state of their country, even more so when compared to their counterparts in other ASEAN countries. The government should take heed of such discontent