Commentaries | FULCRUM

One Constituency, Two Parties: Ballot Splitting and Divided Loyalties in Thailand’s Election

Thailand’s two-ballot electoral system has uncovered divided loyalties among the country’s voters.

Can Indonesia Escape the Middle Income Trap?

President Joko Widodo launching the Draft National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN) 2025-2045 in Jakarta, on June 15, 2023. (photo: Jokowi / Twitter)

To succeed in truly uplifting most Indonesians to middle income status by 2045, no less than sustained and serious commitment by the country’s next administration(s) to clean up Indonesia’s economy would be required.

The G7’s Climate Club: ASEAN Need Not Have High Expectations

The G7’s proposal for a new climate club may fall short if its creators fail to separate geopolitical concerns from pressing environmental ones.

Vietnam and Singapore: Chicken Rice, Apom, Milk Tea and a Shared Strategic Outlook

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan’s lunch with Vietnam Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son at Maxwell Food Centre on July 18, 2023. (photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore)

Vietnam and Singapore commemorated their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in July. Looking ahead, the two partners can deepen the relationship by focusing on initiatives in the South China Sea and the Mekong.

Promoting Local Business for Marawi’s Rehabilitation and Peace

Business for peace (B4P) studies have identified how business activities contribute to peace. Marawi’s reconstruction calls for business engagement that will support the pride and dignity of the local Maranao people.

Jokowi’s (Worst) Reshuffle: A Loss for the Country But Does He Gain?

On July 17, 2023, PM Joko Widodo appointed Budi Arie Setiadi as the Minister of Communication and Informatics (Menkominfo) in the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet for the remainder of his term. (photo: Jokowi / Twitter)

President Joko Widodo’s cabinet reshuffle last week was a calculated move to shore up his position rather than improve policy performance.

Why Cambodia Should Hedge by Engaging India More

Hun Manet, commander of the Royal Cambodian Army and eldest son of Prime Minister Hun Sen, shows his finger after he casts his vote at a polling station in Phnom Penh on July 23, 2023. (photo: STR / AFP)

Cambodia has become increasingly dependent on China and the West. It is high time for Phnom Penh to hedge by engaging India more.

Vietnam’s Suspension of Online Magazine: When Even the Compliant Are Not Safe

Vietnam has suspended the licence of a popular news site which has largely been supportive of the party line. This does not augur well for other media, given their already precarious position.

The Code of Conduct for the South China Sea: Movement in lieu of Progress

Observers following the long saga surrounding negotiations on the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea should not be faulted if they feel a sense of déjà vu.