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Rise of Chinese Language in Vietnam Hinders Plans to Bring Back Russian

There is a Russian-Vietnamese plan to bring the learning of Russian back to Vietnamese schools. But the reality is that English and Chinese are the most popular languages in the country.

How Much of Vietnam’s Policy Reform is due to FTAs?

Vietnam has progressed in embracing market-based reforms, but its reform agenda remains unfinished. Recent free trade agreements have maintained reform momentum, but Vietnam’s earlier accession to ASEAN and the WTO continues to influence the economy.

Malaysia has Removed Diesel Subsidies – Now Must Manage the Fallout

Malaysia has commenced fuel subsidy rationalisation by shifting from general to targeted diesel subsidies, but there is still some economic fallout. The government needs to do more to help those bearing the cost.

Thailand’s Grand Compromise Tested, or Back to Square One?

Depending on one’s perspective, the grand political compromise in Thailand is either collapsing or still remains intact.

Nahdlatul Ulama Ventures into Mining: Threat to the ‘Green Islam’ in Indonesia?

Nahdlatul Ulama’s venture into the mining business might send the wrong signal for Indonesia’s emerging green Islam movement.

Recasting Malaysia–US Relations in the Shadow of the War in Gaza

Anwar Ibrahim can leverage American reactions to the war in Gaza to develop relations with the United States.

Beyond the SQUAD: Ideas for the Philippines to Work with a Northeast Asian Minilateral Arrangement

The Philippines has extensively participated in several minilateral defence arrangements in the Indo-Pacific with like-minded states, driven by its current strategic calculus and threats within its maritime domain. The author proposes one more.

Indonesia’s Labour Party After the Elections: Ambiguities Continue

The failure of Indonesia’s working-class representatives to secure a toehold in the national legislature is partly explained by their inability to make up their mind on whether to be a true oppositional force.