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.
Category Archives: Commentaries
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.
The China Factor and “Bongbong” Marcos’s Foreign Policy
While it is too early for his foreign policy platform to fully emerge, the Philippines’ new president will have his hands full in calibrating Manila’s relationships with Washington and Beijing. It is not a foregone conclusion that he will lean strongly in either direction.
Booster Shot? Pao Tang Digital Payment and Thailand’s Domestic Consumption
Digital payment apps, while facilitating ease of consumption, do not tackle the fundamental issue: limited disposable income of Thais, particularly among those in lower-income groups.
Jokowi’s “Peace Mission” to Europe: Well-intentioned But Fruitless
Indonesia President Joko Widodo’s visit to Ukraine and Russia was quite remarkable. But the trip achieved little in finding a way out of the current impasse between Kyiv and Moscow.
Climate Change Calls for Less U.S.-China Rivalry and More Renewables
As climate change threatens to reshape global politics and domestic agendas, Southeast Asian governments would do well to court both Washington and Beijing in their quest for a green transition.
Australia and ASEAN Relations: Hard Yakka Ahead
Australia has made significant inroads in its engagement with ASEAN. But Canberra’s relationship with the grouping will be a hard slog, given their differences in approaching China and ensuring that Sino-U.S. rivalry does not derail regional aspirations.
‘Tell the RCEP Story Well’: The Salience of RCEP in China’s Global Discourse
China has gone to extensive lengths to underscore the tangible benefits arising from its participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. But Beijing’s criticism of the United States as being anti-globalist is overdone.
Vietnam’s App-based Driver Protests Surge amidst Rising Petrol Prices
Collective strikes by app-based drivers in Vietnam are using strategies previously employed by workers from more traditional sectors. As petrol prices rise, the heat is on the app companies to respond to growing demands for change.
Could Franchising Help Save The Planet?
The franchising sector has the capacity to play a lead role in reducing emissions, but appears to be a bit of a blind spot for climate change support and action by governments.