The next president of Indonesia has ambitious plans for his country but a widely anticipated growth in the number of ministers and ministries in his administration could jeopardise quick results.
Author Archives: blackbox
Ishiba’s New Security Proposals: A Bridge Too Far for ASEAN?
New Japanese premier Shigeru Ishiba has brought some new security proposals to the region. They are unlikely to find a warm reception.
Fortifying the Ballot: Addressing Disinformation and Electoral Integrity in Malaysia
Malaysia’s democratic foundations face critical challenges in the digital age, with racially charged polarisation and the proliferation of disinformation during election campaigns posing significant threats to electoral integrity. This Long Read proposes policy recommendations, including establishing an independent fact-checking body, investing in AI-powered fact-checking tools, developing country-specific AI governance guidelines, and introducing comprehensive media and information literacy education.
Mpox: Can ASEAN Build Resilience to Tackle Health Threats?
Compared to ASEAN’s reaction to Covid-19, the region’s public health response to mpox is more assured and united but still requires reinforcement and reinvention, if true resilience is a goal.
Uncertainties Cloud Trump’s Security Strategies to Asia
There are broadly two schools of thought regarding the geostrategic policies of former US President Donald Trump if he returns to the White House. One focuses on his unpredictability and isolationist tendencies, the other on his desire to bolster deterrence.
Common Space in Southeast Asian Higher Education: A Catalyst for Collaboration?
The recent adoption of a joint declaration for the region’s tertiary sector could lead to more mobility and progress. But some challenges need to be tackled first.
The Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement: Complementing and Cementing the Hub-and-Spokes System
Signed in July 2024, the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between Japan and the Philippines facilitates regular exchanges and activities between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Japanese Self-Defence Forces (JSDF). This should be seen as an act of strategic autonomy on the part of both countries to address shared security interests in the maritime domain.
US Not Walking the Talk in Southeast Asia
President Joe Biden is, once again, not attending the ASEAN-US Summit. Though this is understandable given the upcoming election, the US seems to be losing ground in Southeast Asia amid growing Chinese influence.
Southeast Asia and Emissions Reduction: Two Paths to Consider
Carbon taxes and the removal of fossil fuel subsidies are viable ways forward in reducing carbon emissions in Southeast Asia.
Beneath Polarisation, Malaysia’s Youth Have Common Yearnings for Fairness
Malaysia’s youth are polarised but the problems — and solutions — go beyond the enduring question of keeping ethnic privilege versus enforcing equality.