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The Elusive Code: Why ASEAN Needs a New Playbook for the South China Sea

The Code of Conduct (COC) negotiations between ASEAN and China have reached an impasse, hindered by legal ambiguities, strategic divergences, and ASEAN’s internal divisions. ASEAN must move away from a binary approach that equates success with legal binds, and instead explore more pragmatic alternatives.

The Vietnam War and US Security Policy on the Asia-Pacific

The region’s security architecture is evolving in the wake of the Trump Administration’s pressure tactics on US allies and partners. An articulation of doctrine would be helpful but may not be forthcoming.

Aung San Suu Kyi’s 80th Birthday: In the Shadow of Repression

A recent online campaign for Aung San Suu Kyi has underscored the junta’s long arm of the law — via digital repression.

Rethinking Thailand’s University Admissions System

Thailand’s university admissions system needs a proper fix.

Vietnam’s Nuclear Power Revival: Ambition or Overreach?

Vietnam’s renewed ambition of developing nuclear power plants to fuel its industrialisation drive and meet its climate obligations faces several obstacles, including an unrealistic timeline and financial challenges.

Bridging ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council: Why People-to-People Connectivity Matters

Cooperation between ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council should be seen not only from the lens of trade investments, but also people-to-people connections.

Thorny Issue: The Durian Economy and Land Tussle in Pahang

There has been an ongoing dispute between the Pahang state government and farmers cultivating durians on encroached state land. With a new player in the fray, however, the dispute looks closer to a settlement.

Malaysia’s Metadata Controversy: Surveillance in the Guise of Statistics

The Malaysian government’s directive to collect mobile phone metadata from telecom providers has sparked much unease. It should implement stronger safeguards to demonstrate accountability.