Seven years after the 2014 coup, Thailand is seeing a new political divide along generational and ideological lines.
Author Archives: blackbox
Why is Vietnam’s Military Modernisation Slowing?
Security challenges presented by the South China Sea dispute led to Vietnam’s efforts to modernise its armed forces over the past two decades. However, after the fall of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in 2016, the procurement of major military assets has virtually ground to a halt.
Thailand’s No Sa-lim Shopping List: Taking Aim at Big Business
Thai pro-democracy protestors have started to boycott big businesses deemed as pro-regime. While the sheer pervasiveness of these companies makes effective boycott difficult, it has not deterred protestors from exercising their power as consumers.
Secretary Austin’s Visit to Vietnam: Building Trust to Strengthen Defence Ties
The expected signing of a memorandum of understanding to resolve war legacy issues during US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s visit to Vietnam will go a long way in developing bilateral defence ties.
Congress and America’s Negative Turn Against China: Strategic Ballast
In recent years, the US Congress has played a major role in America’s unprecedented turn against China.
The United States’ “Mini” Shangri-La Dialogue: Stand and Deliver
When Lloyd Austin, the US Secretary of Defense, speaks at the 40th Fullerton Lecture in Singapore tonight, he will need to go beyond speaking about esoteric concepts such as the “rules-based international order” and promise that Washington will provide tangible deliverables in the form of pandemic assistance, economic growth and trade.
The Religious Challenges Behind Enforcing Emergency Covid-19 Restrictions
Although the mainstream Muslim organisations had supported closing mosques during Indonesia’s current round of emergency Covid-19 restrictions, the government subsequently compromised. This is another indication of the growing influence of conservative Muslim voices on Muslim issues.
Indonesia Suspends Paid Vaccination Programme: Signs of Growing Political Pressure
In Indonesia, a paid vaccination programme bombed out in a span of days. Putting economics above health priorities had added to the negative political climate for the government.
Managing Moral Authority: Thai King’s Revived Devotion to Buddhism
King Vajiralongkorn’s recent enthusiasm in religious matters could be a game-changer in Thailand’s cultural politics.
Indonesia’s Defence Procurement Strategy: Diversification but at What Cost?
Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto has been on an accelerated drive to modernise the TNI. But there are significant drawbacks to his procurement strategy of diversification.