In this episode of Dialogues at Fulcrum, William Choong, Managing Editor of Fulcrum, talks to two ISEAS researchers about the ongoing political developments in Myanmar after the February 2021 coup. They discuss the impending visit of ASEAN’s Special Envoy to Myanmar, and the challenges and opportunities that will come with the trip.
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In Vietnam, the Afghanistan Spectre Fails to Haunt a Pro-America Audience Online
Many observers have drawn parallels between the U.S.’ chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and memories of the “Fall of Saigon”. But Vietnamese reactions to U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’ recent visit there shows continued favourable sentiments towards the U.S.
Comparing Vietnamese Responses to Chinese and American Public Diplomacy Efforts on Social Media
In this study, the Facebook posts by the Chinese embassy and consulate in Vietnam were compared with those of the U.S. embassy and consulate over seven months. The findings show that China’s public diplomacy efforts in Vietnam tend to peddle anti-America narratives. But by and large, the Vietnamese public appears more receptive to the U.S. narratives.
Containing the Covid Scourge in South Vietnam
A number of reasons can account for Vietnam’s latest wave of Covid-19 outbreak. These include the more contagious Delta variant, the initial slow response of the authorities in Ho Chi Minh City, the lack of strict application of Covid-19 safety measures, and the slow pace of vaccination due to a shortage of vaccines.
Ismail Sabri as the New PM: An Uneasy Truce
The appointment of Ismail Sabri Yaakob as Malaysia’s ninth prime minister is welcome. At best, however, his ascent represents an agglomeration of compromises between the players concerned. As the country experiences another Covid-19 surge, he will have his work cut out for him.
Delta Variant Should Not Derail Southeast Asia’s Economic Recovery
While the Delta variant of the coronavirus has had a significant impact on Southeast Asia economies, it is unlikely that economies will return to the troughs that they saw in 2020.
Digital Islam in Indonesia: The Shift of Ritual and Religiosity during Covid-19
Covid-19 has forced various Muslim groups to adopt digital platforms in their religious activities. Controversy, however, abounds regarding the online version of the Friday Prayer. In Islamic law, this ritual is wajib (mandatory) for male Muslims.
The Monarchy and Article 150
The recent heightened tensions between the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Prime Minister Muhyidddin Yassin’s Cabinet have put the spotlight on whether the Constitution allows the King to exercise discretionary powers, apart from acting on the advice of Cabinet.
Vaccine Diplomacy in Southeast Asia: Russia Squanders its Sputnik Moment
For a country that was first off the blocks, Russia has a long way to go if it wants to catch up with China and the United States in the game of vaccine diplomacy