The strengthening of the Russia-China strategic nexus affects Vietnam more than any other Southeast Asian country. Hanoi is concerned that Beijing may use its leverage with Moscow to undermine Vietnam’s interests in the South China Sea.
Author Archives: blackbox
An Urgent Need for Post-Election Civil Society Consolidation in Indonesia
There is serious disquiet among Indonesia’s civil society actors and academics, who support the two candidate pairs that lost last month’s election. Much work lies ahead if there is to be an effective national reckoning of alleged electoral misconduct – yet it may be a case of too little, too late.
Pheu Thai Versus Bank of Thailand: More Than a Question of Digital Wallets and Interest Rates
A festering dispute between the Pheu Thai-led government and the Bank of Thailand has underscored a major question as to who sets the kingdom’s economic direction.
The Ulama and the 2024 Indonesian Presidential Election: The Missing Voice of Conscience?
Within Indonesia’s Islamic intellectual elite, this generation does not seem to have leaders who can rise to the ranks of their brave predecessors in acting as the nation’s moral conscience, especially in the face of blatant political chicanery.
Turmoils and Triumphs: The Political Tapestry of Taib Mahmud’s Reign
Taib Mahmud was a shrewd political operator, but his legacy is not free of controversy.
A Kidney for Your Vote: Money Politics in Indonesia’s 2024 Elections
The practice of money politics in Indonesia is insidious, entrenched, and not likely to go away anytime soon, because it works.
Introducing Gus Miftah: A Celebrity Cleric Consolidating Prabowo-Gibran’s Victory
A plank of Prabowo Subianto’s team’s winning strategy for East and Central Java in last month’s election rested on the shoulders of an unusual cleric who hails from Nadhlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia’s largest mass Muslim organisation.
Assessing Indonesia’s Post-Election Economic Policy Direction
The next president of Indonesia will have his work cut out for him on the economic and competitiveness front, even if he continues with many of the existing policies his predecessor will leave behind.
Vietnam-U.S. Security Cooperation Prospects under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
This Long Read explains why despite the recent upgrade in diplomatic status, Vietnam-U.S. security cooperation has not reached a new level.
Seeing the National in Gaming and Esports in Southeast Asia
Electronic sports have gained global attention, including in Southeast Asia. As with traditional sports, national teams can bring glory and boost a country’s soft power. On the flip side, team rivalries can potentially disrupt neighbourly relations.