China’s Global Civilisation Initiative claims to promote inclusivity and cultural diversity. A litmus test of its credibility would be how China has and will deal with variations of cultures and identities that exist within and outside the country.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Meatball Soup on Instagram: (Not) Making a Mountain Out of a Molehill
A proverbial storm has erupted in Indonesia over a foodie influencer enjoying a humble bowl of meatball soup with non-halal crackers. Calmer heads should have prevailed.
Elites vs Citizens: How Singapore and Indonesia are Divided on China
Surveys show that the elite’s opinion toward China diverges with those of citizens in Singapore and Indonesia. Elites tend to weigh long-term geopolitical strategies and have more access to information, but increased citizen engagement will enhance foreign policy.
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
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.
Why Hanoi May Agree to a Vietnam-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
If Hanoi agrees to a comprehensive strategic partnership with the U.S., it would represent a remarkable breakthrough in bilateral ties. Still, such a partnership would not represent a significant shift in Hanoi’s foreign policy.
Are Indonesian Banks Resilient Amidst Rising Interest Rates?
Indonesia’s banking sector is likely to withstand higher interest rates given certain fundamentals that will insulate it from the volatility seen elsewhere.
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.
Politicised Religion and Indonesia’s Youth: Time to Overhaul Identity Politics
Indonesian leaders have committed to refrain from politicising religion in the upcoming February 2024 elections, but political incentives and social forces continue to propagate identity politics, especially among the youth. More must be done to curb the politicisation of religion and educate the youth about its harmful consequences.
Troubled Waters Ahead for Philippine-Vietnam Strategic Partnership on the South China Sea
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.