blackbox

COP27 and G20: Climate-Food Nexus Takes the Spotlight

Two recent international gatherings — COP27 and G20 — have spotlighted the challenge of climate change and the impact on food security. As a highly vulnerable region, Southeast Asia needs to take urgent steps to adapt its agriculture and food systems, to prepare for a more disruptive future.

Anies Baswedan’s Run for President: Will it Provoke New Distinctions in Contestation?

The show of support for presidential contender Anies Baswedan has again underscored the enduring dynamic in Indonesian politics: competition without opposition.

Thailand’s Long-Term Resident Visa for Global Talent and Wealthy Residents: Aiming Too High?

Thailand’s latest move to attract global investment and talent might be a step too little, too late, given its slow start off the blocks and its unimpressive record on innovative visa schemes.

Post-R20 Climate Action: What Can We Learn from Indonesian Muslim Environmentalism?

Activist groups in Indonesia inspired by Islamic and pro-environment ideas have the potential to do more to address climate change problems, provided those in charge will stop and listen, and perhaps even collaborate.

A Xi-Biden Handshake Does Not Bridge the Sino-U.S. Schism, But Is a Start

The handshakes and smiles in Bali have triggered some optimism about Sino-U.S. relations going forward. Yet the slight uptick in Sino-U.S. relations post-Bali might well be short-lived, given the superpowers’ underlying structural competition and deep mutual distrust.

Reviewing the Review: ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus Implementation

The latest from ASEAN leaders on Myanmar shows more steel in the spine but for real progress to be made, Indonesia as the next ASEAN chair must follow through expeditiously.

Worldview of the Nusantara: Indonesians More Nuanced on Foreign Policy Concerns

While domestic concerns remain topmost on Indonesians’ minds and will still drive diplomacy, results from a survey in July 2022 hint at a more complex worldview.

Sino-Indonesian Relations: Getting Closer or Further Apart?

China’s trade and investment in Indonesia have grown substantially since the early 2000s but the Indonesian public does not share Jakarta’s desire to wholeheartedly embrace Beijing.