Hanoi has been promoting the concept of ‘bamboo diplomacy’ to define its foreign policy of independence and refusal to take sides in international disputes.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Malaysia Must Pursue A New Order of Stability via Democracy
UMNO President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has publicly argued that Malaysia should return to the old order with UMNO as the singular dominant party and Barisan Nasional ruling with two-thirds majority. It is important for the nation to ask, what sort of new political order should emerge?
Has Jokowi’s Recent Cabinet Reshuffle Sacrificed Technocratic Effectiveness for Political Consolidation?
President Jokowi’s recent Cabinet picks may not necessarily be the best persons to do their jobs. It seems the President may have prioritised consolidating power instead.
Enhancing ASEAN Access to Finance with Digital Banknote
Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) form an integral part of ASEAN economies, but they have not been able to access sufficient financial resources to unlock their growth potential.
Can the Russia-Ukraine Conflict Derail Southeast Asia’s Decarbonisation Efforts?
The commodities supply crunch can disrupt Southeast Asia’s goal of attaining net-zero targets in the next few decades. While regional countries have backtracked on climate commitments, the crisis can stimulate long-term strategic responses such as accelerating decarbonisation efforts and developing domestic deposits of critical minerals.
China’s Global Security Initiative Stoking Regional Tensions
China has doubled down on its alignment with Russia against the West. This has led to a proliferation of minilaterals and security partnerships aligned with the United States.
Will Vietnam’s Richest Man Be Safe?
Recent speculation that Vietnam’s richest man, Vingroup chairman Pham Nhat Vuong, might get in trouble with the authorities is probably overwrought. Nevertheless, Hanoi’s anti-corruption campaign means Vietnam’s business owners must tread carefully in their search for profit.
More Food, Less Fight: Can Jokowi Deliver on Indonesia’s G20 Presidency?
Indonesia’s G20 Presidency has set three priorities: global health infrastructure, digital economic transformation and energy transition. However, due to food and fuel price hikes, global food security is rising up the G20 agenda.
Can Indonesia Provide Much-needed Leadership in ASEAN?
Indonesia’s various moves on the foreign policy front suggest that it is preparing for a robust role as ASEAN Chair when it takes over the regional grouping’s leadership in 2023. However, its ambitious ideas for revitalising ASEAN will meet headwinds regionally and globally.
The Politics of Nahdliyyin: Uneasy Relations between NU and PKB
There are indications that the relationship between Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and the National Awakening Party (PKB) is tense. Whether the two entities can kiss and make up could determine how Indonesia’s moderate Muslims vote in the next election.