India has often been viewed as punching under its weight when it comes to engaging the region. It is time for India to match its economic commitment to ASEAN with more strategic heft, as it commemorates 30 years of partnership with the regional bloc.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Russia’s War Against Ukraine: Why Hard Power Matters
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine provides the context for Washington to strengthen its alliances and partnerships across the Asia-Pacific, including in Southeast Asia.
We’re Feeling It: Philippines Voters’ Emotional Beliefs in Presidential Candidates
Emotions underlying voter decision might explain Philippine voters’ overwhelming support for Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as the leading candidate for president of the country, even when the historical record of his family’s notoriety suggests otherwise.
Getting Ready for those Business Black Swans
To prepare for future disasters, the Malaysian government should roll out a national response plan to help smaller businesses tide
through the storm.
Silent Strikes: Striking Against the SAC’s Chance to Govern
The SAC’s brutal crackdowns on Myanmar protestors have had limited effect on the creative ‘silent strikes’ organised on three occasions since February 2021. Townships throughout the country became ‘ghost towns’ to protest the SAC’s atrocities, and there are hints that these actions have unsettled some within the regime.
Unpacking Russia’s Twitter Disinformation Narratives in Southeast Asia
A key reason why some pro-Russia disinformation narratives about the war in Ukraine have found resonance in Southeast Asia is that they have successfully tapped into latent anti-U.S. and anti-West sentiments.
ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance: Putting Money Where the Mouth Is
An ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance is a significant move for ASEAN. But it does not come without challenges.
Singapore and the United States: Speaking Hard Truths as a Zhengyou
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s recent visit to the United States highlights a unique dynamic in the bilateral relationship: Singapore’s ability to speak frankly and candidly to its superpower partner.
Bahasa Melayu as ASEAN’s Second Language: Sekali Lagi Tak Boleh
Malaysia has again proposed making Malay a working language of ASEAN, but this proposal is likely to be a non-starter as ASEAN wrestles with more pressing crises.
Will Vietnam Be Able to Wean Itself Off Russian Arms?
Vietnam is finding it increasingly hard to continue its policy of buying military equipment from Russia. Hanoi is aware of the rationale for securing weapons from other countries, but doing so will not be easy.