2022 proved to be another eventful year for the South China Sea as disputant states continued to take a variety of actions to assert their advantages.
Author Archives: Lyd w
The Significance of the Vietnam-Indonesia Exclusive Economic Zone Demarcation
The recent agreement between Vietnam and Indonesia on delimiting their respective exclusive economic zones provides hope for the strengthening of the region’s commitment to international maritime norms and principles, as encapsulated in the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Avoiding Divots in the U.S. Pivot to Asia
While the Americans have made noticeable progress in their “pivot” to Asia, the crux of successful regional engagement rests on Washington’s ability to work with and around China’s indisputable links and influence in this part of the world, while managing its own relationship with Beijing.
A Pause for the Holidays…
Fulcrum ends 2022 on a high note. Our team is taking a pause to reflect and retune as we approach the new year. The Fulcrum team wants to thank all our readers for helping us reach all-time records in viewership.
Indonesia’s Foreign Policy and New Capital Plans
Dr Deasy Simandjuntak discusses with Fulcrum editor Julia Lau her analysis of Indonesia’s foreign policy goals and direction post-G20 in 2022 and in advance of its ASEAN chairmanship in 2023. Other topics they talk about are Indonesia’s regional leadership, the planned new capital of Indonesia, and Dr Simandjuntak’s future research projects.
Can Hanoi Afford the Reputational Costs of Friendship with Myanmar’s Military Regime?
While Vietnam has not criticised Myanmar’s ruling regime about its violence against the Myanmar people and the Rohingya, Hanoi should recognise that its staunch support and use of non-interference as a fig leaf could undermine Vietnam’s own quest to become more significant regionally and internationally.
Café Culture and Sustainable Development in Southeast Asia
Governments and non-government organisations can help newly formed producer groups, such as by subsidising costly organic or Fairtrade certification fees, until these farmer groups are financially self-reliant.
Vietnam Not Veering Closer to United States or China
It is not in Vietnam’s national interest to be overly dependent on China or the United States. Hanoi is expected to continue to press ahead with efforts to build on its ties with the two major powers as part of its multi-directional foreign policy. There are, however, limits to both approaches.
Setbacks for Moscow, Progress for Kyiv: The Russia-Ukraine War and its Impact on the ASEAN, G20 and APEC Summits
The Russia-Ukraine War complicated but did not derail the ASEAN, G20 and APEC summits in Southeast Asia.
The State of Indonesia’s Digital Economy in 2022
This Long Read examines how the digital sector has transformed Indonesia’s economy during the pandemic. It analyses changes in consumer behaviour and assesses the prospects for sustainable growth for various digital services segments.