It is too early to tell if third-time presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto’s seeming moderate shift in campaign strategy and tone will bear fruit in 2024. But no harm in trying.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Taiwan Contingencies and Southeast Asia: Scenarios in the Gray Zone
Regional countries, including those in Southeast Asia, have worried about the impacts of a potential Chinese invasion or blockade of Taiwan. But there are other scenarios to consider.
Lost in Translation: Decoding Populism in Thailand’s 2023 Elections
How populism is defined and wielded in today’s Thai politics has implications for the strength and sustainability of the country’s political development.
Eating Away Our Food: Ocean Acidification Impacting Fisheries in Southeast Asia
Ocean acidification, the “evil twin” of global warming, presents a stern challenge to food security, particularly for Southeast Asians.
Malaysia’s Ample Start-up Funds Need to Be More Accessible and Accountable
Malaysia has established numerous funds to nurture start-ups, but must do much better in simplifying the current system, reporting relevant data, and assessing policy outcomes.
Contested Chineseness: TikTok, Singapore and U.S.-China Competition
Global anxieties towards China have escalated, as evidenced in the U.S. government’s increased scrutiny and pressure on TikTok, including the “Chineseness” of its Singaporean CEO. However, Chinese identity has always been fluid and diverse, and is increasingly contested.
Can Indonesia’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) Succeed?
If Indonesia can leverage its advantages and summon the political will for committed change away from coal, a green and just transition will be within its grasp.
Post-election, Thailand’s Next Government Faces Difficult Military Procurement Decisions
Washington has rejected Thailand’s request to purchase F-35 Lightning II fighters, reportedly due to the Royal Thai Air Force’s lack of capacity to operate the planes. But there is more to the decision than meets the eye.
Dark Horse Could Win Thai Premiership
There has been much speculation as to whether the Move Forward Party might be able to install its candidate as the prime minister of Thailand. But the country’s next leader might well emerge from the ranks of Pheu Thai, the opposition party which won the second-largest number of seats in the recent elections.
Battle of Indonesia’s Kingmakers: A Rift Between Jokowi and Megawati?
The incumbent president of Indonesia could tip the scales in the next election by sitting on the fence a little longer.