Are the two largest Islamic organisations in Indonesia losing their ability to uphold and guide civil society?
Author Archives: blackbox
Thailand’s Police in 2025: Politicised Reshuffle and Endemic Corruption
The recent reshuffle of the top echelons of the Royal Thai Police was supposed to be clean and professional. The reshuffle and concurrent reforms, however, have done little to eradicate malfeasance and partisanship in the force.
Southeast Asian Countries Engaging in Export Circumvention: Not So Fast
The Trump administration has threatened to levy an additional 40 per cent reciprocal tariffs on transshipments to the US. The logic for doing this is not so clear cut.
After the Unrest: How Indonesia’s President Prabowo Regained Trust and Why It Might Not Last
The honeymoon is clearly over for Indonesia’s president as he begins his second year in office, even if a majority of the public still supports him.
East of Where? The Future of UK’s Asia Policy
UK domestic politics has shifted towards a more populist orientation, and this has generated shifts in its foreign policy. Liberal internationalism is out of fashion and hard-nosed realism is gaining dominance.
Time for Vietnam to Resolve Its Renewable Energy Legal Quagmire
In Vietnam, an impasse over feed-in-tariffs for renewable energy producers threatens foreign investors’ confidence in government policies
Thailand Pays the Price for Unregulated Mining Boom
China is dependent on rare earth supply from parts of Myanmar which have unregulated mining that generates toxic waste. Neighbours like Thailand need to work with China and the US to address the problem.
The Trump Administration in Southeast Asia: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
The Trump administration’s recent overtures to Southeast Asia had some silver linings. But Washington risks long-term harm to its regional reputation with its transactionalism.
Trump 2.0: Dual Challenges for Thailand’s External Sector
Faced with US tariffs and a resultant import surge into Thailand, the government should seek to effect targeted measures to support the Thai economy.
Malaysia’s Failed BRICS Bid: A Blessing in Disguise?
Malaysia’s aspired BRICS membership would bring modest economic benefits but sizable political gains. Anwar should tread prudently and discreetly; pursuing BRICS vigorously could jeopardise Malaysia’s ties with the US and the West.