The 2022 presidential election in the Philippines saw fact-checkers fighting an uphill battle against widespread efforts to misinform and disinform Filipino voters, but some key lessons were learned.
Author Archives: blackbox
The Struggle for International Recognition: Myanmar after the 2021 Coup
The military coup in Myanmar on 1 February 2021 created huge diplomatic repercussions, throwing into uncertainty the country’s international position and representation. Although the National Unity Government (NUG) appears to be the more popular choice for the international community, the prospects for its formal recognition remain uncertain.
Digital Disinformation and Anti-Chinese Resentment in the Philippines
In the Philippines, digital disinformation campaigns have become central to electoral politics. Unfortunately, their use of vitriolic and socially divisive techniques has become increasingly normalised in the country’s politics, as these techniques are put into play even between national voting seasons.
A Peaceful Election at Muhammadiyah’s 48th Congress Can Be an Example for Indonesia
Muhammadiyah’s smooth running of its recent leadership election shows that democratic choice can be exercised by letting candidates’ reputations speak for themselves.
How Will Anwar Ibrahim’s Unity Government Revise Budget 2023?
New Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim has to lead his “unity government” in navigating the process of revising the country’s Budget 2023 through some significant headwinds.
Japan’s Counter-strike Missiles and Southeast Asia’s “Nuclear” Question
Japan is considering the deployment of non-nuclear counter-strike capabilities in the face of growing threats from North Korea and China. This might have a bearing on Southeast Asia.
More than a Mere Caretaker? Jakarta’s Interim Governor and the 2024 Elections
The appointment of a caretaker governor for Jakarta might come across as a routine procedure. In the case of Heru Budi Hartono, however, his employment of a politically partisan approach throws up initial indications of the battle lines going into the 2024 presidential elections.
Malaysia’s New PM: The Need to Get It Right for the Country
Malaysia’s new premier Anwar Ibrahim has made the right moves in his first week in office. Going forward, however, he has a slew of challenges.
COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh: a Geopolitical Cop-out
The COP27 meeting in Egypt yielded some significant outcomes, such as a historic loss and damage provision. But geopolitics reared its ugly head and might have an impact on future meetings.
Myanmar Junta Prisoner Release: Let’s Not Get Ahead of Ourselves
It is too soon to celebrate the recent prisoner amnesty in Myanmar as a serious indication of the junta’s intention to change its ways for the better.