The US government has withdrawn globally from climate and clean energy engagement, undermining prospects for clean energy and climate collaboration with Southeast Asia. On the flipside, China’s historic climate-related finance in the region has far outpaced that of the US, particularly in infrastructure-heavy projects. While the loss of US climate finance may not be detrimental in the near-term, it does undermine the region’s support of environmental governance, and civil society and institutional capacity to pursue its climate efforts.
Author Archives: blackbox
Malaysia as a “Second Palestine”: Dangerous Reframing of Siege Mentality
Parti Islam SeMalaysia has sought to frame Malay-Muslims in Malaysia as being under “siege” from non-Malay pendatang (immigrants), like the Palestinians under Israeli occupation. This is a dangerous form of false equivalence.
Vietnam’s Memory Diplomacy: Curating the Past for an Uncertain Future
Vietnam has stepped up efforts to broaden and deepen memory alliances, enabling its multidirectional foreign policy amid intensifying geopolitical tensions and competing blocs.
Abhisit’s Clean Politics Faces Formidable Odds in Thailand’s Cut-Throat Political Arena
Former PM Abhisit’s “clean politics” stance may complicate his Democrat Party’s ability to recruit experienced candidates for the upcoming Thai election and prospects of joining a coalition government.
Malaysia’s Budget 2026: Fiscal Reform or Fragility?
Malaysia’s 2026 budget continues fiscal reforms but exposes structural fragilities such as heavy operating costs and rising debt. These factors may threaten long-term fiscal stability.
Will the East Coast Son Rise Again? Shafie Apdal and Sabah’s 2025 Election
Shafie Apdal, long hailed as champion of Sabah’s East Coast, may need to offer more than his “Sabah first” slogan to secure victory in the upcoming state election.
Why Did Indonesia Decide to Buy China’s J-10 Fighter Jet?
Indonesia’s recent announcement that it was considering buying the China-made J-10 fighter raises more questions than answers.
Trump’s Whirlwind ASEAN Visit: Any Substance Behind the Show?
Beyond the pomp and pageantry of Trump’s visit to Southeast Asia, some aspects of America’s policies towards the region have become clearer.
To Lam’s Foreign Policy Leadership in the “Era of National Rise”
Since assuming power in August 2024, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam has pursued bold reforms with urgency. Economic diplomacy has been a central focus, aimed at mobilising international resources for economic restructuring and technological upgrading. He has also engaged Washington, traditional partners China and Russia, and other major powers with equal vigour, pursuing pragmatic multi-alignment to advance national interests.
Restoring Multilateralism: Can Regional Cooperation Arrangements Fill the Void?
With the US backing out of multilateral trade deals, there is a possibility that the EU could link up with two expansive networks – the CPTPP and RCEP – to form a mega trading bloc.