The Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan has been welcomed in Indonesia’s militant Islamist circles and even among some mainstream figures.
Author Archives: blackbox
Reform of the Thai Police: An Impossible Dream?
A recent police scandal has again sparked calls for reform of the Thai police force. There have been numerous attempts in the past, but the key problem is the entrenched relationship between powerful politicians and senior police officers.
Malaysia’s #Kitajagakita Invigorates Political Activism and Tackles Apathy
A new political movement driven by the grassroots is gaining momentum in Malaysia. Centred on the hashtag #kitajagakita, it embodies ordinary citizens’ responses to crises without political interference and red tape.
Ideology Versus Pragmatism: Vietnam’s Statecraft towards China and America
China is seeking to drive a wedge between Hanoi and Washington, even as Vietnam-US relations continue to flourish. Hence, Vietnam’s striking a balance between its ideological cohesiveness with China and pragmatic ties with the US is being put to the test.
Deepening US-Vietnam Ties: Less Geopolitics, More Human Security
Discussions about the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and the United States typically centre on the geopolitical aspects. A more meaningful way of developing the relationship is actually in the field of human security.
The Covid-19 Recession: Rough Times for Young Malaysians
The COVID-19 recession has compounded employment and income difficulties for Malaysia’s young workers. They experience higher unemployment and are more adversely impacted than other age groups in terms of wage decrease and under-employment. This has contributed to greater political restiveness among Malaysia’s youth.
Buy Now Pay Later in Vietnam: Expectations and Challenges Ahead
The Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) fintech segment has promising prospects in Vietnam. But care must be taken to mitigate against potential pitfalls for less financially literate consumers.
Easier Monetary Policies Amid Covid-19: Maintain, Not Roll Back
Southeast Asia economies have maintained easier monetary policies to cushion the shock of the Covid-19 pandemic. Now that prices are trending upward, they should think twice before tightening the policies.
Will Scammers Derail ASEAN’s Digital Drive?
As Southeast Asian governments push ahead with digitalisation in their respective economies, they need to be mindful that the ease and speed of digital transactions also come with new risks.
Politicians’ Billboard War Underscores Absence of Policy Contestation
Early presidential bids by some Indonesian politicians have highlighted the lack of any policy debate in mainstream Indonesian politics.