The United States hit all the right notes when it hosted ASEAN leaders in Washington last week. The fact remains, however, that Washington has an uphill climb if it wants to catch up with Beijing’s economic momentum in Southeast Asia.
Category Archives: Commentaries
PM Chinh Goes to Washington: Equal Importance of Foreign and Domestic Goals
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a successful trip to Washington, which should go some way to advance Hanoi’s foreign policy goals and domestic priorities.
Tackling the Problem of Identity Violence Against Pluralists
A recent attack on an academic who has promoted pluralism in Indonesia highlights the need for the government to adopt new strategies to tackle Islamist violence against such individuals.
The Next Phase of Myanmar’s 2021 Spring Revolution Turns on Contested Local Authority
As the Arakan Army establishes more control over Rakhine State, the future success of the national revolution may hinge on whether a parallel local administrative system can be established in other areas including Myanmar’s heartland. Providing a workable alternative to the State Administration Council’s governance will enable the revolution to mature as it meets the people’s demands for rule of law and governance.
In Denial Against Democracy: Thailand’s Royalists see Putin as a ‘Decoloniser’
Thai royalists’ online narratives echo the line that Russia’s war in Ukraine is succeeding. There are indications that this rhetoric is driven by anti-western anti-democratic sentiment, especially against the United States. The royalists are using the debate over the war as a proxy fight with opposition movements, whom they see as being supported by western pro-democracy forces.
US-ASEAN Summit: The Audacity of Trope
ASEAN leaders will finally meet US President Joseph Biden at the long-awaited US-ASEAN summit in Washington. Whether ASEAN and US can find convergence on regional issues, such as Washington’s desire to manage the rise of China, will be a pressing challenge.
A Victory for the Social Opposition: Upping Protection for Victims of Sexual Violence
Indonesia’s social opposition has notched an important victory with the passage of a landmark law against sexual violence. The victory was propelled by a unified campaign and the fact that the legislation did not pose a threat to economic interests.
Princess Sirivannavari’s Textile Initiative and Royal Power: Will Thai People Take the Hook?
A textile motif designed by Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, the
daughter of King Vajiralongkorn, is becoming popular across Thailand,
raising questions about the power and purchase of the monarchy.
The Liberal Order’s Illiberal Turn: Implications for Southeast Asia
The clash of online opinions surrounding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reveals support for pro-Russia, pro-Putin narratives in Southeast Asia. Untangling why such rhetoric is attractive points to deep dissatisfaction with the existing liberal international order. Southeast Asia can play a part in helping the world avoid worse alternatives.
Sustaining Malaysia’s FDI Rebound: Promotion is Good, Facilitation Better
A better way forward is to continue to enhance investment facilitation measures, making it easier for investors to establish and expand their operations, and conduct their day-to-day business in host countries. In this regard, boosting post-investment, after-care services will grow in importance.