blackbox

Infrastructure as Strategy: How Vietnam Rewires Indochina through Ports and Roads

Vietnam is often portrayed as losing influence in Laos and Cambodia to China. But the construction of key infrastructure gives Hanoi some measure of agency.

Korean Language Learning in Malaysia: Beyond the Korean Wave

By institutionalising an already popular global Korean wave, Malaysian and Korean state efforts are helping to intensify Malaysian interest in the Korean language.

Beyond Non‑Recognition: Myanmar’s Elections Leave ASEAN In a Bind

What are ASEAN’s options for responding to the election outcome in Myanmar?

Southeast Asia Navigates Trumpian Storms: Disruptions, Recalibrations and Adaptations

The 2nd Trump administration has overturned long-standing pillars of US foreign policy, slashing aid, weaponising tariffs, and dismantling multilateral and normative commitments. Southeast Asia – with deep ties to the US economically, strategically, and developmentally – has been particularly vulnerable to these shocks.

Is Thai Manufacturing Sick?

The Thai manufacturing sector is suffering from low capacity utilisation. The government needs to think about longer-term assistance.

Thailand’s Trade Imbalance and Stunted Industrialisation: Will the Upgraded ASEAN-China Trade Agreement Help?

Thailand could leverage on the ASEAN–China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) to redress its burgeoning trade deficit with China and get its industrial development plans back on track.

What ASEAN Governments Can Learn from the Russian State-Backed Attacks on Amazon Web Services

Russian state-backed cyberattacks on cloud-linked critical infrastructure in the West highlight the need for ASEAN governments to develop stronger laws and larger cybersecurity talent pools for critical infrastructure protection.

The Roots and Persistence of Terengganu’s Hardline Approach to Islamic Law

Since August 2025, Terengganu has implemented stringent shariah-based legislation penalising Muslim men who neglect Friday prayers, allowing for imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of up to RM3,000. This reflects a broader trend of rigorous shariah enforcement under the PAS-led state government.

Trump and Southeast Asia: When Transactionalism Undermines Trust

The Trump Administration has broken with the tradition of pursuing its national interests in tandem with an emphasis on alliances and values. Southeast Asian countries will respond accordingly.