blackbox

Squeezed From Both Sides: Prabowo’s Fiscal Reckoning and Governance Implications

Indonesia’s president is caught between a rock and a hard place fiscally and politically.

Chokepoint in the Gulf: What the US-Israeli War on Iran Means For Southeast Asia’s Food Security

The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz could push ASEAN’s farmers and food prices to the brink, but the region has options to ease some of the pressure.

Why Thailand’s Constitutional Reform May Stall

While the Thai public supports constitutional reform, the spirit is less willing within the ruling party.

Riders at Risk: Who Speaks for Thailand’s Platform Workers?

The newly formed Thai Digital Platform Trade Association (TDPA) is aligned with the commercial interests of its founding members. Thailand’s poorly protected platform workers will need to advocate for themselves.

Iran Conflict Highlights Vietnam’s Energy Security and Foreign Policy Vulnerabilities

Vietnam has limited room for manoeuvre on the energy front as supply tightens, but is proactively playing the hand it has been dealt.

Youth’s Solidarity Beyond Borders: What Encourages Indonesian Muslim Students to Boycott Israel?

This Long Read shares the key findings of a survey examining the factors that predispose Indonesian Muslim undergraduates to engaging in a worldwide activist movement to boycott Israel.

Malaysia’s Oil Shock Absorption: Adding Agility to the Subsidy Regime

As global oil prices seesaw in the wake of war, Malaysia’s government has a chance to think ahead and reduce any potential sharp swings.

Southeast Asia and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation: Edging Closer in an Era of Geopolitical Churn

Over the past three decades, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has significantly expanded its geographical footprint, membership and functional cooperative activities. This Long Read provides a detailed examination of Southeast Asia’s engagement with the organisation.

Iran War Holds Trade Implications for Southeast Asia

The economic fallout of the war, coupled with Trump’s self-preservation instincts, could induce a partial climbdown on tariffs—but Section 301 and other tariffs are under way and might endure.