The escalating number of clashes between Myanmar’s military junta, ethnic armed groups and resistance forces, together with the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic, have inflicted much suffering on the local populace. Concerned stakeholders need to provide essential help in the form of civilian protection and humanitarian assistance.
Author Archives: blackbox
Branding Vietnam: VinFast’s American Auto Debut
Vietnam’s car maker VinFast is by-passing China and launching its electrical vehicles in the highly-competitive United States market instead. In so doing, it hopes to makes its mark as a global brand.
A Prototype of Bamar-Buddhist Liberated Areas in Anyathars’ Spring Revolution
The liberation of Myaung, a township in Myanmar’s Sagaing region, shows how a coordinated effort among anti-junta forces can lead to tangible results. The question is whether such efforts can be replicated elsewhere.
The Drugs Trade in a Time of Covid-19: Still Rolling
The Covid-19 pandemic and associated movement restrictions have not inhibited the drugs trade in around the Golden Triangle. In fact it appears to have worsened it.
Mind the Gaps, Fill the Needs: A Strategic Outlook for the Philippine-US Alliance
The Philippines begrudgingly notes the disparity of treatment across US alliances in Asia as well as Washington’s shift to enhancing engagements with non-treaty partners. The Philippines must step up to play its part and articulate its key interests better.
Fighting Big Fat Lies Online: Caveat Emptor
In the online battlefield, companies, politicians and media outlets are trying to shape how we think. For media consumers and journalists alike, the keys to a strong defence lie in media literacy and discernment.
Thailand’s Main Opposition Party Hopes for a Landslide Election Victory: A Realistic Goal or Just a Dream?
Phuea Thai (PT), Thailand’s main opposition party, is aiming at scoring a landslide victory in the country’s next general election, which is expected to take place in the third quarter of 2022. PT’s success may help allow the party’s chief patron, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, to end his self-imposed exile overseas.
A Bumpy Road Ahead for Myanmar’s Economy
Myanmar’s State Administration Council has stressed its ability to stabilise and revive the country’s economy. There are five reasons why the SAC’s confidence is misplaced.
Indonesian Police and Vigilante Groups: An Implicit Double Standard
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has called on police officers to stop visits to patrons of vigilante groups. The problem, however, is that there is a double-standard here in how different groups are treated.
The Ones to Watch: Chinese Investors in Thailand, Trends and Opportunities
China has been accelerating its foreign direct investments into the kingdom, even as other investors have pulled out. Thai officials are hopeful that this trend will continue.