blackbox

Military Rule in Myanmar: Parsing the Propaganda

A soldier stands guard along a road as security forces search for protesters, who had been taking part in a demonstration against the military coup, in Yangon on 7 May, 2021. (Photo: STR/ AFP)

Critics of the Myanmar military should not be too quick in dismissing its propaganda. A closer examination reveals the junta’s priorities and strategy.

Philippine-US Cooperation on Whitsun Reef: A “Win” for the Biden Team in Southeast Asia?

U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Charge d’Affaires John Law, Philippine Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana, senior Armed Forces of the Philippines, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command representatives participate in the closing ceremony of the Balikatan Exercise. (Photo: Donald VILUAN/ US Indo-Pacific Command)

Southeast Asian views of the United States declined during the Trump administration, and persisted into the Biden administration early on in the year. But Washington’s sustained support for Manila amid the latter’s recent confrontation with China in the South China Sea has helped to offset negative perceptions of Uncle Sam in the region.

Borderland Without Business: The Economic Impact of Covid-19 on Peninsular Malaysia’s Southernmost State of Johor

A view of low traffic volume across the causeway linking Malaysia's southern state of Johor (top) and Singapore (botom) is seen from Singapore on 1 April, 2020. (Photo: Roslan RAHMAN/ AFP)

The state of Johor has suffered disproportionately among Malaysian states due to the impact of Covid-induced border closures. Increasing poverty and unemployment are compounded by decreasing mental health and well-being. Several initiatives have been launched to alleviate difficulties. But the state will not fully recover until borders reopen, given Johor’s high dependence on international investments and its deep connections with Singapore for business, investment and livelihoods.

Lesson Learnt: Indonesia’s Second Eid al-Fitri under Covid-19

A health worker collects swab sample from a passenger to test for the Covid-19 coronavirus during the homecoming (mudik) of people ahead of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations

In 2020, Eid-al-Fitri was a national superspreader event. This year the government and Muslim organisations were better prepared.

Indonesia’s First Sovereign Wealth Fund (INA): Opportunities and Challenges

This aerial picture shows a light rail transit (LRT) station (L) undergoing construction in Jakarta.

The Indonesian government is stepping up its efforts to kickstart its economic recovery by attracting more direct investment into the country. The 2019 Omnibus Law and the recent launch of the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA), the country’s first sovereign wealth fund, are deliberate steps in that direction.

Vietnam’s Consumer Finance Goes Global

The entrance of FE Credit headquarters in Ho Chi Minh City.

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group’s new 49 per cent stake in FE Credit highlights the need for greater regulatory oversight and consumer protection measures.

Quad 2.0: Beyond “Not Making Choices”, Giving ASEAN a Slew of Options

US President Joe Biden (L), with Secretary of State Antony Blinken (2nd L), meets virtually with members of the "Quad" alliance of Australia, India, Japan and the US, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on 12 March, 2021. (Photo by Oliver DOULIERY/ AFP)

India’s grappling with the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic at home has only highlighted the need for greater “issue-based” coalitions in the Indo-Pacific. This is relevant to ASEAN as the grouping looks to assert its centrality in regional affairs.

ASEAN’s Mission to Myanmar: An Approach to Ends with Possibilities of Success

Police (foreground) disperse demonstrators calling for democracy in Myanmar during a rally outside the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) building in Jakarta on 24 April, 2021, where the ASEAN summit on the Myanmar crisis is due to take place. (Photo: Bay ISMOYO/ AFP)

All eyes will be on the incoming mission of the ASEAN Chair’s special envoy in Myanmar to facilitate talks between the military junta and civilian government it toppled earlier this year. But the writing is already on the wall – the envoy has a mountain to climb.

Is the East Asia Summit Suffering Erosion?

Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (top 2nd R) addresses his counterparts at the ASEAN-East Asia (EAS) Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit being held online in Hanoi on 14 November, 2020. (Photo: Nhac NGUYEN/ AFP)

Over the last decade, the EAS, by default and by ASEAN’s design, has been the peak mechanism in the ASEAN-led regional architecture. Keeping it so will not be easy, amidst shifting big-power dynamics and the growing attractiveness of smaller and more effective regional mechanisms.