The Indonesian military has proposed a ‘softer’ and more ‘humanistic’ approach in dealing with the restive security situation in Papua. But this could be ill-advised and premature.
Author Archives: blackbox
Southeast Asia Holds Mixed Perceptions of the Biden Administration
The State of Southeast Asia 2022 indicates that Southeast Asians have put more trust in the US under the Biden administration but that the level of trust is uneven among different countries.
Of Parachutes and Helicopters: Reconstructing the Decolonisation Agenda in Environmental Research
There is an intrinsic North-South divide in environmental research, which is also felt in Southeast Asia. There needs to be a mindset change to roll back some of these inequalities.
Digital Surveillance in Thailand: When Pegasus Takes Flight
The Thai regime is reportedly using spyware to extract personal information from the mobile devices of political dissidents. The use of digital intrusion and repression reinforces Thailand’s autocracy in the face of challenges from the political opposition.
Southeast Asians’ View of Quad and AUKUS: Some Thaw, But Not Yet Warm
In recent years, the United States has sought to involve its middle-power friends and allies in various regional initiatives to counter a rising China. Southeast Asia continues to have mixed feelings about this.
Thailand’s Vision to Become A Rail Hub: A Long Shot
Thailand has ambitious plans to become a rail hub in mainland Southeast Asia. But successful implementation of the plan is a different thing altogether.
“France’s Third Path” for the Indo-Pacific? Credentials and Challenges
Considering itself part of the Indo-Pacific on the grounds of history and overseas territories, France has released its Indo-Pacific strategy to guide its international action in this region.
Thammanat versus Phalang Pracharat: Who Will Win?
Controversial Thai politician Thammanat Prompow is proving his mettle as an adept political fixer and could well emerge as kingmaker at the next elections.
Polite Wolves: China’s Soft Twitter Diplomacy in Southeast Asia
China’s diplomats have gained fame on Western social media platforms for their strident ‘wolf warrior’ discourse. But the strategy is not applied uniformly across all countries. In fact, they have taken a more polite tone towards Southeast Asian countries.
The Biden Administration and Southeast Asia: One Year in Review
The Biden administration’s engagement with Southeast Asia in 2021 gained momentum in the second half of the year after a slow start. In 2022, the US will be assessed on the value of its Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, a clearer articulation of its Indo-Pacific strategy and the extent to which it demonstrates genuine efforts to upgrade relations with ASEAN.