A textile motif designed by Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, the
daughter of King Vajiralongkorn, is becoming popular across Thailand,
raising questions about the power and purchase of the monarchy.
Author Archives: blackbox
The Liberal Order’s Illiberal Turn: Implications for Southeast Asia
The clash of online opinions surrounding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reveals support for pro-Russia, pro-Putin narratives in Southeast Asia. Untangling why such rhetoric is attractive points to deep dissatisfaction with the existing liberal international order. Southeast Asia can play a part in helping the world avoid worse alternatives.
The Russia-Ukraine War and its Potential Impact on Russia’s Arms Sales to Southeast Asia
Russia has been the largest exporter of arms to Southeast Asia over the past two decades but the value of its defence sales to the region has fallen sharply since its annexation of Crimea in 2014. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will only exacerbate this downward trend.
Sustaining Malaysia’s FDI Rebound: Promotion is Good, Facilitation Better
A better way forward is to continue to enhance investment facilitation measures, making it easier for investors to establish and expand their operations, and conduct their day-to-day business in host countries. In this regard, boosting post-investment, after-care services will grow in importance.
The New FPI: Don’t Buy the Same Horse Twice
The neo-FPI, the latest reincarnation of the Islamic Defenders Front, has sought to make a clean break from its controversial predecessor. Indonesians should take it with a dollop of salt.
Hydropower Development in Sarawak: Sensitivities over Sustainability and China’s Involvement
China has become the most significant foreign partner in Sarawak’s hydropower development, as its extensive knowledge and experience in this domain dovetails with Sarawak’s ambitious programme to develop hydropower for its own needs and for export to the region.
Local Matters in the 2022 Philippine Elections
With most eyes on the national posts in the May 2022 Philippine elections, it is easy to overlook important governance issues at the local level. A new Supreme Court ruling will allocate more fiscal resources to but also demand more responsibilities from local governments. Yet lingering structural and political challenges prevent them from efficiently delivering basic services, initiating local development, and empowering the people.
Indonesia’s New Food Agency: No Fast Food Solutions
Indonesia’s food policy management has received a potential boost as it has set up a new National Food Agency (NFA), but vast challenges lie ahead as NFA’s leader figures out how to feed the world’s fourth most populous country in the face of growing external shocks to its food supplies.
Social Media Discourse in Malaysia on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Rationales for Pro-Russia Sentiments
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Malaysia’s social media has been abuzz with discussions on the conflict, with different groups expressing both condemnation and support for Russia. This paper examines pro-Russian sentiments and unpacks them for possible explanations for why such views prevail amongst Malaysians.
Liberation Technology? The Digital Era and Indigenous Survival in West Kalimantan
The survival of the Sungai Utik people and their customary forest needs deliberate imagining in this digital era. The community must think carefully about the future they want for themselves and their forest and seize opportunities to use digital technologies to their advantage.