blackbox

ASEAN Food Security: Climate Adaptation as Urgent as Mitigation

To ensure Southeast Asia’s food security, mitigation or the reduction of emissions only constitutes part of the solution. Adaptation is just as important.

How the ‘Deal to Sell Out the Country’ Paved the Way for Thaksin’s Return as Thailand’s Biggest Red Herring

Unsurprisingly, Thai premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra has survived a no-confidence motion in parliament. But the debate over the motion obscured deeper political dilemmas that will continue to bedevil the country.

Batam Struggles to Up the Ante as Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone Rises

The JS-SEZ poses deep questions for nearby Batam as its competitive advantage hinges on proximity to Singapore, ready land and labour, and generous incentives for investors — just like Johor. Batam is also hampered by connectivity, jurisdiction, and land procurement woes.

Thailand’s Land Bridge: Navigating Geopolitical and Investor Concerns

Thailand’s land bridge project faces challenges in managing geopolitical rivalries and competing with advanced ports in neighbouring countries. Additionally, logistical issues such as transit times and reloading processes could diminish potential time savings. Thailand could instead pursue more cost-effective options to improve existing port and overland infrastructure and boost competitiveness.

Why Theravāda Buddhist Nations Struggle with Democracy

This commentary memorialises the late political scientist Alfred Stepan (1936-2017), a leading light in comparative politics. In it, the author considers Stepan’s research and thinking on the complicated relationship between Theravāda Buddhism and democracy.

Growing or Shrinking? How Indonesia’s Middle Class is Really Doing

We must get Indonesia’s middle-class narrative right to devise appropriate policy responses. While some argue that the middle class has grown, the evidence tells a more sobering story.

Johor’s Data Centres: Implications for the Talent Landscape

Despite Johor’s data centre boom, there are concerns about the number and quality of jobs they can generate. But demand is rising for skilled workers in ancillary industries, notably construction.

Can Vietnam Dodge the US Tariff Bullet?

Vietnam has done almost everything necessary to preclude the possibility of the US slapping tariffs on its exports. The question is whether this would be enough.