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Does ASEAN Matter for Myanmar?

More than 300 protesters, mostly Myanmar nationals, rallied outside the Myanmar embassy on Sathon Road in Bangkok

Now that the ASEAN Summit is over, serious questions remain about how exactly the regional grouping can begin to resolve the Myanmar crisis, despite stronger words and a slight toughening of position.

Malaysia Post-PRN2023: Stay the Course or Change Direction?

In this dialogue, which follows on his May 16th podcast, “Defining Tests for UMNO, Anwar and the Unity Government”, Khairy Jamaluddin discusses the main arena of those defining tests: the August 12th Peninsular state elections (PRN2023).

Thailand’s Elite Reconfiguration: Old Wine in New Bottles

The likeness of Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat on a protesters car during a rally

The installation of a Pheu Thai-led government with the aid of conservative elements underscores a significant transformation in Thailand’s ruling structures.

Polarisations in Indonesia: Distinguishing the Real from the Rhetorical

Indonesian workers march during the International Workers’ Day near the National Monument in Jakarta, Indonesia

This Long Read argues that the polarisation perceived in Indonesian mainstream politics is more rhetorical than real. They mainly reflect opportunistic tactical calculations and obscure the real polarisations in Indonesia’s political landscape.

Anwar’s Tried and Failed Strategy to Woo Malay Voters

Anwar’s gambit to out-Islamise his Islamist political opponents has failed to gain traction. He should stop offering a “lite” version of his opponents’ Islamist agenda and tout a more progressive and inclusive narrative.

Pheu Thai’s New Coalition Betrays the Faith of Voters

Protesters point their torches to the sky to protest Pheu Thai Party’s decision to form a new government

In choosing to align itself with military-backed parties, the Pheu Thai Party has betrayed the faith of voters who believed that democratic principles would best ensure Thailand’s future.

Biden Skips Jakarta: When (Not) Showing Up Speaks Volumes

President Biden skipping the East Asia Summit in Jakarta bodes ill for both the optics of the decision and the implications on U.S. engagement in ASEAN, especially as China continues to expand influence and cultivate relations in the region.

Troubled Waters Ahead for Philippine-Vietnam Strategic Partnership on the South China Sea

Protesters wave flags and hold placards in front of the Chinese Consulate in Makati, Metro Manila

Vietnam and the Philippines have formed a strategic partnership in the South China Sea. By reinforcing their respective claims to the area, however, they are vulnerable to a wedge strategy by third parties such as China.

The Race for Critical Minerals in Malaysia: Upstream, Mid-Stream, or Downstream?

A worker walking past a steamroller at the site of a Lynas plant in Gebeng, Malaysia.

The global hunt for critical minerals used in clean energy platforms such as electric vehicles has put the spotlight on some Southeast Asian countries, in particular, Malaysia.