Energy security is a serious concern in the Philippines, as evidenced by an indicators-based assessment. Domestic policy interventions and foreign investment are needed to improve the Philippine energy security situation.
Author Archives: blackbox
A Just Transition Approach to the ASEAN Power Grid
Southeast Asia has seen a surge in the development of cross-border energy projects. These projects have merit, but there needs to be an emphasis on just transition to address impacts on various socio-economic groups.
Malaysia–China Economic Relations: Riding the Dragon’s Tail for Structural Transformation
This Long Read argues that strengthening the economic relationship between Malaysia and China can potentially contribute towards Malaysia’s structural transformation in terms of re-industrialisation and greening of its economy.
Thai Netizens’ Reactions to Thaksin Shinawatra’s Parole: Keep Calm and Carry On
Former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s release on parole sparked some criticism online but this does not appear to be sufficient to stoke larger fires, for now.
Indonesia’s Perennial Rice Self-Sufficiency Problem
Indonesia is striving to achieve rice self-sufficiency, amid rising geopolitical and global rice market uncertainties. The country must take climate change and its disrupting impact on food production more seriously.
State of Southeast Asia Survey 2024: Taking the Region’s Pulse on the Israel-Hamas Conflict
As the Israel-Hamas war passes its six-month mark, regional sentiments can only get more complex and wield more potential to stir up division within and across ASEAN countries.
The National Awakening Party’s Ascendancy in East Java: Implications for Local and National Politics
The final election results from East Java reveal a silver lining for the second-placed vice-presidential candidate, Muhamin Iskandar. He and his party could still win some in the horse-trading for cabinet positions under the next president.
Indonesia’s Accession to the OECD Could Help Institutionalise Its Fickle Reforms
Indonesia has improved the quality of its institutions in recent decades, but has backslid lately. The country’s potential accession to the OECD presents an opportunity to foster institutional deepening and help sustain long-term economic growth.
Thailand’s Persevering Police Problem
Whatever reforms are underway for Thailand’s law enforcers would be inadequate if the foxes are already in the henhouse.
Like, Subscribe and Vote: The Role of Political Influencers in the 2022 Philippine Elections and Beyond
Social media influencers are emerging political operators in Philippine elections, but unlike high-level strategists and low-level trolls, they occupy a ‘grey area’ in the political economy of influence operations.