Why China Should Learn To Live With U.S.-Philippine EDCA

The Chinese view that the Philippines’ and the United States’ Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites are offensive in nature is false. The Philippines and China should take a wider perspective and work on the totality of their bilateral relationship.

Not Yet the End of the World: Tackling Malaysian Muslim Millenarianism in the Age of Social Media

Although millenarian movements are not new in Malaysia, their recent public presence is marked by savvy and creative social media strategies. Their content is easily accessible and well disseminated within and beyond national borders. This Long Read argues deeper sociological studies to better understand the various social conditions behind their popularity.

The Global Civilisation Initiative: Are ‘Asian Values’ Back with a Chinese Vengeance?

Through its Global Civilisation Initiative, China argues that there are different paths to modernity. While such a view might resonate with Southeast Asian countries, one should not presume that they will jump on the GCI bandwagon.

China’s “Model” Relationship with Southeast Asia: Significance and Limitations

China’s “model” relationship with Southeast Asia has the effect of constraining the foreign policy options of these countries by prescribing the elements it would like to see in the relationship. A more realistic approach is for countries to grow their ties based on each country’s national interests.

Thailand’s Lèse-majesté Law: A Subtle Referendum in the Upcoming Elections?

Political parties which tout the need for more democracy in Thailand have shied away from aggressively promoting amendments to the kingdom’s lese-majeste law. However, the law’s impact on generational and ideological divides remains in motion.