No politician in both developing and developed nations would be ready to condemn more consumption, more growth and more throw-away. But the alternative need not be anti-consumption. Innovations and nascent movements in sustainable consumption show us more options.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Nahdlatul Ulama ‘Going Global’: Charity Should Begin at Home
The newly-elected chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama has a grand vision about humanitarian Islam. In practice, however, the policy is found wanting when it comes to attending to the needs of the NU rank and file.
Myanmar Returns to Import Substitution: Primed to Fail
The State Administration Council has initiated a raft of import substitution policies in an attempt to support domestic industralisation. This approach was tried in the past – and failed.
UMNO Assembly Puts Prime Minister’s Back to the Wall
It was all sweetness and light at the recent general assembly of the United Malays National Organisation. But there is more than meets the eye.
Targeting the Tourism Dollar from ASEAN
China is the world’s biggest source of tourists, but ASEAN is not far behind it. As borders open up, it might be worthwhile looking at enticing tourists from ASEAN.
Bangkok’s New Chinatown: Waiting for Another Ka-Ching
Bangkok’s ‘new Chinatown’ flourished when a steady stream of Chinese tourists visited the area. As the country prepares to re-open its borders, the question is whether the area will revisit its glory days.
Separatists, Conflict and Refugees: Geopolitics Along Thailand and India’s Myanmar Border
The February 2021 coup in Myanmar has thrown up a new raft of problems for Thailand and India. The re-assembling of Indian separatist groups in Myanmar, the spillover from armed conflict and the arrival of refugees in Thailand and India are just the tip of the iceberg.
Slashing Methane Emissions: A Tricky Business
Reducing methane emissions is achievable, but there are several prickly issues.
Community-led Social Cohesion in Post-Coup Myanmar: A Promising Glimmer
The popular resistance has issued a clarion call for a federal democratic Myanmar, based on inclusive politics. The practice of social cohesion constitutes both a starting point for building inclusive politics, and a much-needed trust-building exercise in a heavily trust-deficient Myanmar society.
Reaping the Benefits of RCEP: From Utilisation to Exports
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has come into force, but member countries have their work cut out for them in seeking to raise utilisation rates and exports.