Some Asian states have gushed over the new Biden Administration’s return to foreign policy normalcy. However, the last “normal” American administration had a mixed bag of outcomes in the region.
Author Archives: blackbox
Work Cut Out for Vietnam’s New Prime Minister
Rising star Pham Minh Chinh has to steer the country to the ranks of high income developed economies by 2045.
Cosmopolitanism and Multiculturalism: Reviving Bangsa Malaysia
Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s concept of a Bangsa Malaysia has been given a fillip by Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz, president of ABIM, which represents the aspirations of Malaysia’s Muslim youth. It should be given some serious consideration.
Ditching Malaysia’s Bumiputera System: Three Utopian Scenarios To Consider
A cold hard look at ways of departing from Malaysia’s long-held Bumiputera system throws up three scenarios, one of which is persuasive.
The Coup in Myanmar: ASEAN Is Not Without Options
If ASEAN is serious about upholding the principles enshrined in the ASEAN Charter, there are ways to help guide Myanmar back toward the path of democratisation.
Myanmar’s State of Emergency: Damn the Torpedoes
The Tatmadaw’s seizure of power in Myanmar will wind back Myanmar’s nascent democracy several decades. The costs to the country are incalculable.
Cambodia’s Battle Against the Covid-19 Pandemic: Not a Matter of Luck
Cambodia has done relatively well in its battle against the Covid-19 pandemic, thanks to leadership, targeted measures, and rapid crisis response.
Inoculating Against Covid-19 Nationalism in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia has not been spared the effects of Covid-19 nationalism. ASEAN member countries can do more to combat vaccine nationalism and hesitancy in the region.
A “Green” Solution to Financing Sustainable Energy in Myanmar
Myanmar is in dire need of financing solutions to build its electricity grid and power its economic growth. “Green bonds” might well be the answer.
The Philippine-US Alliance: Keeping Things on an Even Keel
Given the challenges posed by an assertive China and a changing geopolitical environment, Manila and Washington must work hard to sustain their decades-old alliance.