Commentaries | FULCRUM

Thailand’s State Welfare Card Reform: New Phase, Old Challenges

The Thai government is rolling out an ambitious social assistance programme, but it lacks a coherent strategy to identify citizens who are most in need

How Vietnam Is Personalising To Lam Without Building a Personality Cult

Vietnam is seeking to project a coherent image of To Lam as a revered leader, but this is done short of venturing into personality cult territory.

ASEAN’s Renewed Engagement with Naypyidaw and the Future of Federal Myanmar

Is ASEAN on the right path as it works to engage Myanmar?

Why Vietnam Needs Both Concrete and Nature to Fight Floods

How can Vietnam design a successful system to combat flooding?

25 Years on, Vanguard Liberal Indonesian Muslim Activists are in Disarray

Jaringan Islam Liberal’s absence of a clear ideological stance is diminishing the movement’s relevance for liberal Indonesians, even as JIL figures remain prominent.

Russia’s Place at ASEAN’s Table: Between Principle and Pragmatism

The ASEAN-Russia summit does not mean that Southeast Asia is drifting into Russia’s camp. Its significance lies in the grouping’s desire to preserve room for manoeuvre.

Perikatan Nasional’s Dramatic Denouement: Where to for Bersatu?

The two key parties in the Perikatan Nasional coalition have parted ways. Bereft of resources, this consigns Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia to the skid row of Malaysian politics.

Malaysia Should Channel US Trade Representative Section 301 Pressure Into Forced Labour Compliance

Malaysia should take decisive action in response to the US’ tariff threat for failing to prohibit imports made with forced labour. Eliminating such imports is in everyone’s best interest.