Sarawak and Brunei, as neighbouring entities, offer interesting insights through the divergence in their pluralist and conservative trajectories. This Long Read considers the significance of political culture, demography, and religious elites’ training as factors contributing to contemporary trends.
Author Archives: blackbox
Myanmar Junta’s Internet Controls Expose Citizens to More Cyber Threats
The Myanmar junta’s ban on Facebook and curbs on internet access have compelled citizens to use virtual private networks (VPNs), including free but potentially malicious VPNs. Banning VPNs has made things even worse for Myanmar’s citizens.
The Battle for Indonesia’s Environmental Future: Youth Movements Against Systemic Challenges
Environmental activism remains a cottage industry for the youth who champion Earth’s cause in Indonesia. Besides financial pull, they will need organisational evolution before any significant green movement can break the cosy ties between state and dirty business.
Thailand’s Defence Budget in 2024-2025: Appeasing the Military?
The Pheu Thai-led government has allowed defence expenditure to creep upwards despite fiscal pressures. This is a clever ploy to keep the country’s generals onside.
Indonesia’s 2024 Presidential Election: How Political Personas and Policy Platforms Influenced Swing Voters
In Indonesia’s presidential election in February, candidates’ failure to distinguish themselves in persona and policies hurt their campaigns.
Nguyen Phu Trong and Vietnam: The Loss of Ideological Cover
The passing of Nguyen Phu Trong leaves Vietnam short of ideological cover to pursue the country’s policies.
Sarawak’s Green Hydrogen Ambitions: What It Means for Southeast Asia
As the frontrunner for green hydrogen projects in Southeast Asia, Sarawak’s success or failure in the next two years will serve as a bellwether for Malaysia’s hydrogen economy goals, ASEAN’s hydrogen future and global clean hydrogen demand.
ASEAN’s Unity Under the Microscope
Laos, the current chair of ASEAN, has found that it has to grapple with increasingly contentious geopolitical issues.
Tackling the Threat of Salafism Within: Muhammadiyah Leaders Need to Be Bolder
Allowing Salafi elements to join Muhammadiyah has proven a double-edged sword for Indonesia’s second-largest mass Muslim organisation.
Myanmar’s Economy Deeper in the Mire
The State Administration Council’s coercive and controlling approach to the economy does not bode well for Myanmar’s mid- to long-term prospects.