UNCLOS’s relevance to Vietnam is significant, but the Convention must be updated if Vietnam and other signatories are to succeed in dealing with contemporary challenges in maritime affairs.
Author Archives: blackbox
ACT’s Scandal Damages Islamic Philanthropy in Indonesia
Recent scandal involving one of the largest Islamic charities in Indonesia threatens to damage public trust if the authorities waste the chance to overhaul the poorly regulated sector.
When Environmental Sustainability Masks Unsustainable Employment
The drive by food delivery platforms to achieve environmental sustainability through the reduction of plastic use belies the fact that these firms do little to create sustainable employment.
Chinese ‘Debt Traps’ in Southeast Asia: What the Data Say
This Long Read argues that while the terms of China’s aid and loans to Southeast Asian countries are less favourable compared to those of the World Bank, the weight of the evidence does not lend credence to the existence of a Chinese “debt trap” strategy in the region.
Putting Up a Front: How Indonesians Feel about Jokowi’s Climate Agenda
Indonesians’ responses to the Southeast Asia Climate Change Outlook Survey 2022 show mixed feelings about Jakarta’s ability to push for real green transformation, but a chance exists for change to take root.
Politicised Islam Frays the Fabric of Keluarga Malaysia
Ismail Sabri’s vision for Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family) tries to paint the picture of an administration that is more inclusive than its predecessors, or that it is departing from Islam-centric policies. However, upon closer inspection his rhetoric rings hollow.
Environmental and Labour Standards in IPEF: Tough Pill to Swallow for Southeast Asia
The U.S. must ensure that it finds the right leverage within its IPEF scheme to make up for its lack of trade benefits or risk turning off prospective participants.
Myanmar and Russia: Vladivostok Meeting Signals a Tighter Embrace
Russia and Myanmar have been broadening bilateral cooperation in the face of global condemnation.
Survival, Success and the Sea: The Importance of UNCLOS to Singapore
UNCLOS has played a pivotal role in Singapore’s development from a maritime colony to a modern maritime state.
The Undetermined Costs and Benefits of Cambodia’s Engagement with China’s Belt and Road Initiative
This Long Read argues that despite common perceptions of Cambodia as a ‘client state’ of China due to its dependence on Chinese aid and investment, Cambodia does exercise agency and has been diversifying its donors and investors to meet its economic needs.