The recent ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council summit underscores a joint goal to link the two dynamic regions. The key is to keep the bloc-to-bloc interactions going.
Author Archives: blackbox
Mainland Chinese Workers in Brunei Darussalam: Living in a Bubble
The relationship between China and Brunei has grown significantly, but the level of people-to-people exchanges leaves much to be desired.
Who Decides the Cessation of Violence in Myanmar? A Grinding Battle for Control
As the violence in Myanmar looks set to spill over into another year of intractable struggle, both sides are dealing with morale and discipline problems within their armed units. The main suffering is borne by the civilians who, despite all the tribulations, remain defiant.
The Implications of the Israel-Gaza Conflict on Indonesia
Indonesia is likely to support the Palestinian people and redouble its commitment and calls for a two-state solution in light of the ongoing Israeli-Gaza violence. Domestically, the spiralling crisis has some potential to affect the 2024 presidential candidates and security climate, especially if no urgent solution is in sight.
Hot “Furnace” at Home, Cool Relationships Abroad
Vietnam’s 8th Party Plenum underscores Hanoi’s two-pronged bid to maintain solid relations with external powers in the West and tightening the screws on civil society at home.
Children in Myanmar: Caught in the Crossfire
The junta in Myanmar has adopted a new tactic against resistance forces by arresting and detaining children in lieu of their family members.
Climate Action in Southeast Asia: Lagging Leadership, Passive People
Climate action initiatives have been rolled out in Southeast Asia, while a climate awareness survey has found that most Southeast Asians perceive governments as not doing enough. Few respondents are involved in active advocacy. The region has a long way to go.
New Thai PM Faces a Crisis of Confidence
As a political novice, Thailand’s new Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin is facing an uphill struggle to prove that he is the right man for the job. His political survival depends on support from his coalition partners – without which he risks being unseated in a no-confidence motion in the House of Representatives.
Pheu Thai’s 10,000 Baht Gambit: A Political Promise That Spells Possible Economic Peril
The Pheu Thai Party’s plan to provide 10,000 baht gift to Thai adults serves a dual purpose: stimulating the economy and reconsolidating its political position. However, it remains uncertain whether it will achieve success in either of these goals.
India’s Expanding Global Influence Has Limited Reach in ASEAN
India is seizing strategic opportunities to emerge as a new global power but its influence in Southeast Asia is not keenly felt yet.