Thailand’s latest move to attract global investment and talent might be a step too little, too late, given its slow start off the blocks and its unimpressive record on innovative visa schemes.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Post-R20 Climate Action: What Can We Learn from Indonesian Muslim Environmentalism?
Activist groups in Indonesia inspired by Islamic and pro-environment ideas have the potential to do more to address climate change problems, provided those in charge will stop and listen, and perhaps even collaborate.
A Xi-Biden Handshake Does Not Bridge the Sino-U.S. Schism, But Is a Start
The handshakes and smiles in Bali have triggered some optimism about Sino-U.S. relations going forward. Yet the slight uptick in Sino-U.S. relations post-Bali might well be short-lived, given the superpowers’ underlying structural competition and deep mutual distrust.
Reviewing the Review: ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus Implementation
The latest from ASEAN leaders on Myanmar shows more steel in the spine but for real progress to be made, Indonesia as the next ASEAN chair must follow through expeditiously.
Considering the Optimism of Azyumardi Azra: The Future of Islam in Southeast Asia
The late renowned Muslim scholar Azyumardi Azra had unlimited optimism about Southeast Asia’s position as the future of Islam.
The G20 Summit: Who Makes the World’s Rules?
The Group of 7 are relatively aligned in their perceptions of global challenges, particularly when it comes to strategic competitors such as China and Russia, but the same perceptions do not hold true when it comes to the remaining members of the bigger Group of 20.
ASEAN’s Season of Summitry: More Hits or Misses?
Going into 2022, ASEAN flew into a perfect storm of challenges within and without. With the annual ASEAN summits over, the grouping is none the worse for the wear.
“P225” TikTok: Malaysia’s New Constituency?
Malaysia’s youngest constituents might be swayed by TikTok videos but social media popularity might not be the silver bullet that draws new votes.
Worldview of the Nusantara: Indonesians More Nuanced on Foreign Policy Concerns
While domestic concerns remain topmost on Indonesians’ minds and will still drive diplomacy, results from a survey in July 2022 hint at a more complex worldview.
Sino-Indonesian Relations: Getting Closer or Further Apart?
China’s trade and investment in Indonesia have grown substantially since the early 2000s but the Indonesian public does not share Jakarta’s desire to wholeheartedly embrace Beijing.