The February 2021 coup in Myanmar has thrown up a new raft of problems for Thailand and India. The re-assembling of Indian separatist groups in Myanmar, the spillover from armed conflict and the arrival of refugees in Thailand and India are just the tip of the iceberg.
Author Archives: blackbox
Slashing Methane Emissions: A Tricky Business
Reducing methane emissions is achievable, but there are several prickly issues.
Community-led Social Cohesion in Post-Coup Myanmar: A Promising Glimmer
The popular resistance has issued a clarion call for a federal democratic Myanmar, based on inclusive politics. The practice of social cohesion constitutes both a starting point for building inclusive politics, and a much-needed trust-building exercise in a heavily trust-deficient Myanmar society.
Reaping the Benefits of RCEP: From Utilisation to Exports
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has come into force, but member countries have their work cut out for them in seeking to raise utilisation rates and exports.
Rising Support for Postponing Indonesia’s Elections? What the Data Really Says
Once again, key Indonesian politicians are floating trial balloons on the merits of postponing the 2024 Indonesian presidential election, citing mounting public support for it. But the data suggests otherwise.
Pakatan Harapan in Johor: Fading Fan Favourites
PH’s campaign messaging has consisted of playing its ‘fan favourites’ of good governance and anti-corruption. This is a re-run of the 2018 campaign, which successfully linked Malaysian’s economic woes to the imposition of the Goods and Service Tax (GST), the financial extravagance of former prime minister Najib Razak, and the ill-fated 1MDB.
Vietnam Netizens Reactions at Odds with Vietnam’s Stance on Ukraine
Vietnamese netizen sentiments suggest that they have generally been critical of Vietnam’s decision to abstain from the UN resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Decoding Phuket Province’s Demand for Autonomy
There are growing calls in Phuket, Thailand’s tourism powerhouse, to become more autonomous from the central authorities in Bangkok. While such an idea has not gained traction outside Phuket, the province might need to think deeper about what autonomy entails, and in what form.
Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: Southeast Asian Responses and Why the Conflict Matters to the Region
ASEAN’s official response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was relatively mild, reflecting the lowest common denominator of the varied positions taken by ASEAN member states. But the grouping needs to be mindful of the dangerous precedents set by Russia’s actions.
Reforming the Philippine Electoral Commission
Less than two months before the presidential elections, the Commission of Elections (COMELEC), the Philippines’ independent electoral authority, has been mired in controversy itself. It is high time to reform one of the oldest election commissions in the region.