The monks in Pakokku, a major centre of Buddhist learning and training, have not reprised the role played by their predecessors in the historic Saffron Revolution in 2007. Several factors can explain this, the foremost of which revolves around the clergy’s conception of order and hierarchy.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Silencing the Din in Indonesian Cities
For the longest time, Indonesians endured a sonic pandemonium in their cities. It is about time that some regulation is effected to lower levels of noise.
Say It Ain’t So, Joko: No Third Term for Widodo
Recent student protests against rising living costs and rumours that Widodo might seek a third presidential term suggest that Indonesia’s democracy is not as resilient as some may think.
Palm Oil Certification Schemes: Putting Some Roar into Paper Tigers
Sustainable palm oil certification schemes are necessary, as they incentivise producers to improve their environmental practices. But a different tack centred on districts rather than individual producers should be considered.
ASEAN-India Relations: Time to Match Rhetoric with Actions
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.
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.