blackbox

Policies to Increase the Inclusiveness, Resilience and Sustainability of Economic Growth in Cambodia

To realise its aspirations to become an upper middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income country by 2050, Cambodia has to pursue inclusive growth that is also sustainable and resilient.

The Pentagon’s Disinformation War: Undermining Health and Alliances in Southeast Asia

Recent revelations that the US’ Pentagon waged a disinformation campaign against Chinese COVID-19 vaccines in Southeast Asia should shake the region out of any naïve assumptions that the great powers would protect anyone else’s interests but their own as they fight for supremacy.

How Singapore’s Cross-Border Power Trade Can Catalyse a Greener ASEAN Power Grid

Expanding power trade in ASEAN will be key to meeting the region’s climate action pledges. Singapore can lead by showing that renewables are increasingly affordable, reliable, and a good return on investment domestically — and when traded regionally.

New Zealand’s Tilt Towards Southeast Asia: More than Rhetoric?

The new New Zealand government has grand plans to step up engagement with Southeast Asia. The question is whether the rhetoric will be matched by actual investments.

Putin’s Visit to Vietnam: When the Past Weighs on the Present

Vietnam’s gains from hosting Russia’s president will likely pale in comparison to the expected benefits of courting other powers. However, sentiment can play a role in international relations – what’s a visit between old friends?

Is the Bank of Thailand Overly Independent?

The tussle between the Thai government and the Bank of Thailand reflects the fact that central banks are never completely independent of governments.

Brunei’s Strategic Role in Enhancing China-BIMP-EAGA Cooperation

Brunei has the potential to drive economic growth in the eastern periphery of ASEAN. Thus far, however, the actualised gains from BIMP-EAGA have lagged behind its potential.

Sanctions Will Not Bankrupt Myanmar’s Military But New Approaches to Trade and Finance Might

Opponents of Myanmar’s military regime can think more creatively about how to cut off the flow of foreign funds to the junta. If done more comprehensively, it can not only undermine the military but also arrest the economy in crisis.

The Road to Nusantara Just Got Longer: How the Recent Resignations Are a Wake-Up Call for Indonesian Governance

The recent loss of the top two officials leading the new capital’s construction and development process has thrown a serious wrench in the works for Indonesia’s President Widodo’s ambitious move. Pretending that all systems are still go is not the solution.