The latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has some sobering data applicable to Southeast Asia. Whether countries muster up the political will to follow through on their commitments will be key.
Author Archives: blackbox
Malaysia’s New PM: Bi-partisanship is Good, Non-partisanship Even Better
Malaysia’s new prime minister has called for public demonstrations of unity as the country goes through a difficult time of the Covid-19 pandemic and economic hardship. The country needs less a bi-partisan front and more a competent, dedicated and accountable administration.
Thaksin 72; Tony 27: the Return of Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra is priming himself for a return to Thai politics. This time, he is reaching out to younger Thai voters.
Najib Razak: Bestriding Social Media Like a ‘Bossku’
The former Malaysian prime minister has become a social media juggernaut. Yet, he has also become the butt of jokes and memes online.
Biden’s Foreign Policy to Southeast Asia: More Pragmatism than Ideology
The Biden Administration has gone big guns on promoting its values-based democracy agenda in the Indo-Pacific. It is time for a rethink.
Digital Convergence and Militant Crosspollination in Indonesia
A social media analysis of Indonesian salafi-jihadi and opposition Islamist chat groups indicates early but significant signs of crosspollination between both communities. As continuing government crackdowns drive both the violent jihadi and Islamist opposition groups into the virtual underground, there is a risk that the resultant crosspollination of both groups could push non-violent opposition activists into violent extremism.
The Descent of UMNO
Malaysia’s Umno has continued on its downward slide. In the culmination, this might well prove to be the revenge of Reformasi that begun as a popular revolt against the party more than two decades ago.
Covid-19 Outbreaks: The Challenge Facing the Fight Against Poverty
The Covid-19 pandemic has had manifold impacts on the poor in ASEAN member states. Upping vaccination rates will go a long way.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s Southeast Asia Tour: Assurances and Dividends
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s visit to three Southeast Asian countries in July 2021 was aimed at reaffirming America’s commitment to regional alliances and partnerships amid concerns of US neglect of the region in the first six months of the Biden administration.
Don’t Miss the Turning Point of ASEAN’s Energy Plan
ASEAN’s Energy Plan is an empty fortress – dejected and under-delivered. But if done right, the region can turn a corner and do more to harness the power of renewables.