Two years after the February 2021 coup in Myanmar, societal ruptures amidst a civil war demand far-sighted visions for a post-conflict future led by the people.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Fragmented Digital Regulations are Constraining ASEAN’s Digital Economy
The ASEAN digital economy is running sub-optimally due to fragmented regulatory frameworks. Increased coherence will enable the region’s firms to break out of their local markets and raise revenues from the expansion of consumer markets.
Indonesia Takes the Lead on Myanmar: The Clock is Ticking
Southeast Asians are looking to ASEAN’s titular head Indonesia to take the lead to resolve the political crisis in Myanmar. But Jakarta’s first steps as ASEAN Chair have left something to be desired.
BrahMos Supersonic Missiles: Poised to Buoy New Delhi’s Arms Exports?
India is not a major arms exporter, something that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen to change. But there is one “Made in India” weapons system that half a dozen Southeast Asian countries seem most eager to buy: the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
India and Multi-Alignment: Having One’s Cake and Eating It Too
The evolution of India’s foreign policy from non-alignment to multi-alignment has yielded dividends. The question is whether New Delhi can continue to be in such an enviable position.
The 212 Movement: Lying Low But Up Against the Jokowi Administration
Despite observations that the group has become defunct, the 212 Movement has held a series of gatherings to display their opposition to President Joko Widodo. One thing is clear: the movement will not endorse presidential candidates endorsed by Widodo.
Will the New Financial Omnibus Law Compromise Bank Indonesia’s Independence?
The Joko Widodo administration’s repeated renewal of a bond programme for burden-sharing with Bank Indonesia during the pandemic raises questions about whether the new financial omnibus law will constrain rather than strengthen the economy.
Washington and Southeast Asia in 2023: How Devolving Power to Line Agencies Might Make a Difference
Although much attention has focused on the shift in power from Democrats to Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives, the empowering of line departments and agencies to take more responsibility for Asia policy could be just as important. And it could prove to be a good thing for the region.
Widodo Government Acknowledges Gross Human Rights Violations Happened: The Unstoppable Erosion of a Fundamental Taboo
President Joko Widodo’s recent acknowledgement of certain human rights violations in Indonesia took many by surprise. It may prove to kickstart a true national reckoning with one of the darkest periods of the country’s history.
Resistance Forces in Myanmar: Changing the State of Play with Weaponised Drones
The use of weaponised drones by Myanmar’s resistance forces is giving them an edge over junta forces.