In an era of great power competition, Southeast Asian countries can better defend their autonomy by examining their own strategic planning and operational requirements first. Only then can they better define their military engagement with Washington.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Human Suffering in Myanmar: The Need for International Attention
The escalating number of clashes between Myanmar’s military junta, ethnic armed groups and resistance forces, together with the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic, have inflicted much suffering on the local populace. Concerned stakeholders need to provide essential help in the form of civilian protection and humanitarian assistance.
Branding Vietnam: VinFast’s American Auto Debut
Vietnam’s car maker VinFast is by-passing China and launching its electrical vehicles in the highly-competitive United States market instead. In so doing, it hopes to makes its mark as a global brand.
A Prototype of Bamar-Buddhist Liberated Areas in Anyathars’ Spring Revolution
The liberation of Myaung, a township in Myanmar’s Sagaing region, shows how a coordinated effort among anti-junta forces can lead to tangible results. The question is whether such efforts can be replicated elsewhere.
The Drugs Trade in a Time of Covid-19: Still Rolling
The Covid-19 pandemic and associated movement restrictions have not inhibited the drugs trade in around the Golden Triangle. In fact it appears to have worsened it.
Fighting Big Fat Lies Online: Caveat Emptor
In the online battlefield, companies, politicians and media outlets are trying to shape how we think. For media consumers and journalists alike, the keys to a strong defence lie in media literacy and discernment.
A Bumpy Road Ahead for Myanmar’s Economy
Myanmar’s State Administration Council has stressed its ability to stabilise and revive the country’s economy. There are five reasons why the SAC’s confidence is misplaced.
Indonesian Police and Vigilante Groups: An Implicit Double Standard
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has called on police officers to stop visits to patrons of vigilante groups. The problem, however, is that there is a double-standard here in how different groups are treated.
A Game of Musical Thrones: Candidate Substitutions and Withdrawals in the 2022 Philippine Elections
Last-minute substitutions of presidential and vice-presidential candidates have become the new norm in Philippine electoral politics, exposing an abuse of electoral laws and a lack of transparency in candidate selection.
The Grim Future of the Democrat Party in Thailand’s Upper South
As Thailand readies itself for the coming elections, its oldest political party, the Democrat Party, faces an uphill battle in even coming close to regaining its former lustre.