Japan has suffered some dips in ranking in the 2022 State of Southeast Asia Survey. That said, Japan’s residual soft power in the region remains undisputed.
Author Archives: blackbox
Malaysia’s Recent Floods Must Spur Bold and Decisive Action
Reducing flood vulnerability not only minimises economic losses but also consolidates investor confidence. Malaysia can substantially enhance flood resiliency by implementing climate change legislation, a national insurance programme, and an affordable relocation scheme to cope with the mounting costs of more frequent and severe floods.
Timor-Leste’s Presidential Elections: A Quiet or Rowdy Neighbour for Indonesia?
There have been contentions in Timor Leste’s political landscape in the run-up to the presidential elections. But Indonesia has less to worry about, given that political parties across the spectrum support strong relations with Jakarta.
Advancing U.S. Security Commitments to Southeast Asia Under Biden
Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine would accentuate concerns about Washington’s security commitments to Southeast Asia. To gain further traction, Washington needs to invest in individual Southeast Asia countries and expand defence partnerships with allies and partners.
Political Instability and Enhanced Monarchy in Malaysia
Except in specific situations in which royal discretion is explicitly conferred, the Malaysian King is required to act on the advice of the Prime Minister. Lately, however, due to a widening trust deficit between citizens and government, there are calls for the monarchs to provide leadership and play an enhanced role in providing checks and balances against discredited political institutions.
Putting a Floor Under Asia’s Sinking Cities
Rising sea levels will affect many Asian countries, particularly those in Southeast Asia. There needs to be fresh approaches and policies to manage what is termed a ‘super wicked problem.’
Threat to Amnesty International Reflects Climate of Repression in Thailand
The recent move to expel Amnesty International from Thailand is yet another indicator of the growing influence of the ultra-royalist political faction in Thailand.
‘Stand, Stop, Imprison’: People’s Defiance against the Thai Establishment
Protestors against the Thai establishment have found a new form of defiance: demanding offenders’ right to bail. The ‘Stand, Stop, Imprison’ campaign has spread far and wide, largely due to its less controversial nature.
From Remote Paradise to Levelled Villages: The Sit-Tat Assault on the ‘Yaw Valley’
The Yaw Valley, one of the most remote and bucolic areas in Myanmar’s Buddhist heartland, has seen fierce skirmishes between the military and local resistance forces. The junta sees the area as strategic as it sits on the road to the military’s headquarters at Kalay airport.
Russian Invasion of Ukraine Poses Geopolitical Quandaries for Vietnam
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine came as a surprise to Vietnam. It remains to be seen how Vietnam can leverage its long-held omni-directional foreign policy to manoeuvre out of the crisis.