The Supreme Court has struck down President Trump’s IEEPA reciprocal tariffs, but the practical outcome on Southeast Asia is likely to be negligible. Further complications arise from his reimposition of tariffs through other means and the potential political fallout in his party.
Author Archives: blackbox
Advancing Southeast Asia’s AI Future Through Sovereign AI Models
Several Southeast Asian nations are seeking AI sovereignty through home-grown large language models (LLMs) reflecting their cultures and values, aiming to turn regional insight into competitive advantage for local needs.
Japan’s Growing Hard-power Profile: Implications for Southeast Asia
Japan is emerging as a consequential hard-power player, expanding its deterrence and defence-industrial capabilities, as well as its regional and global defence networks. As Japan strengthens its military posture, Southeast Asian states are under mounting pressure to navigate the intensifying Tokyo-Beijing rivalry while carefully managing domestic sensitivities.
Rethinking Malaysia’s Path to Net Zero
Carbon credits to be tabled under Malaysia’s new climate change bill should serve as a bridge towards decarbonisation rather than a substitute for it.
Indonesia Joining the Board of Peace: At What Cost?
Indonesian Islamic groups’ endorsement of President Prabowo’s decision to join Trump’s Board of Peace risks perceptions that they are departing from their long-standing support for the Palestinian cause.
Aligning Climate and Food Security Policies in ASEAN
ASEAN countries vary in their ability to address food security. More can be done at sub-regional levels.
Kla Tham in Thailand’s 2026 Election: Dark Horse or Greenhorn?
Patronage politics marches under a different banner in the farther reaches of the Thai body politic. This adaptation could shift future election outcomes.
The ART of Rescuing an Unintended Trade Deal While Safeguarding Malaysia’s Multilateralism
In signing the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, Malaysia has granted the US exclusive preferential terms. Malaysia would be better off voluntarily extending the same terms to all countries.
Natural Gas in the Philippines: A Test Case for Southeast Asia’s Energy Transition
The discovery of substantial natural gas deposits in the Philippines does not obviate the need for the country to make a longer-term transition to renewables.
The Limits of Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Efforts
To plug its fiscal gap, Malaysia needs to go beyond asset recovery and clawing back proceeds from graft.