The expected signing of a memorandum of understanding to resolve war legacy issues during US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s visit to Vietnam will go a long way in developing bilateral defence ties.
Author Archives: blackbox
Congress and America’s Negative Turn Against China: Strategic Ballast
In recent years, the US Congress has played a major role in America’s unprecedented turn against China.
The United States’ “Mini” Shangri-La Dialogue: Stand and Deliver
When Lloyd Austin, the US Secretary of Defense, speaks at the 40th Fullerton Lecture in Singapore tonight, he will need to go beyond speaking about esoteric concepts such as the “rules-based international order” and promise that Washington will provide tangible deliverables in the form of pandemic assistance, economic growth and trade.
The Religious Challenges Behind Enforcing Emergency Covid-19 Restrictions
Although the mainstream Muslim organisations had supported closing mosques during Indonesia’s current round of emergency Covid-19 restrictions, the government subsequently compromised. This is another indication of the growing influence of conservative Muslim voices on Muslim issues.
Indonesia Suspends Paid Vaccination Programme: Signs of Growing Political Pressure
In Indonesia, a paid vaccination programme bombed out in a span of days. Putting economics above health priorities had added to the negative political climate for the government.
Managing Moral Authority: Thai King’s Revived Devotion to Buddhism
King Vajiralongkorn’s recent enthusiasm in religious matters could be a game-changer in Thailand’s cultural politics.
Indonesia’s Defence Procurement Strategy: Diversification but at What Cost?
Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto has been on an accelerated drive to modernise the TNI. But there are significant drawbacks to his procurement strategy of diversification.
Malaysia’s Higher Education Sector: Time to Soar to a Higher Plane
The pandemic presents a plum opportunity for extensive reforms in Malaysia’s higher education sector.
Malaysia’s Covid-19 Response: Pressed to Be (in the) Present
Pressed by short-term exigencies caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Malaysia is planning to raise Malaysia’s debt ceiling to 65 per cent of GDP. Another round of stimulus package might be on the cards.
Reopening Malaysia’s Parliament: Not a Panacea
The Malaysian government’s decision to reconvene Parliament has been welcomed. But this in itself will not resolve the list of problems facing the country in the throes of the Covid-19 pandemic.