The Yaw Valley, one of the most remote and bucolic areas in Myanmar’s Buddhist heartland, has seen fierce skirmishes between the military and local resistance forces. The junta sees the area as strategic as it sits on the road to the military’s headquarters at Kalay airport.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Russian Invasion of Ukraine Poses Geopolitical Quandaries for Vietnam
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine came as a surprise to Vietnam. It remains to be seen how Vietnam can leverage its long-held omni-directional foreign policy to manoeuvre out of the crisis.
Parsing Objections to Moving Indonesia’s Capital
There are substantial and valid concerns about the government’s decision to move Indonesia’s capital to East Kalimantan. It should have taken these concerns into account.
Is ASEAN a Toothless Tiger in the Face of Ukraine Crisis?
ASEAN says that it is ‘deeply concerned’ about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but it has stopped short of condemning Moscow. The statement by the grouping reflects varied perspectives among member states. But it is important for smaller states in ASEAN to uphold the aegis of international law.
Is an Opposition Alliance Still Possible in the 2022 Philippine Presidential Elections?
A united anti-Marcos-Duterte opposition alliance is still possible in the Philippines today, if opposition leaders accept difficult compromises with each other, just like they did 36 years ago.
The State of Southeast Asia Survey: An Outlet for Myanmar Aspirations
In the 2022 State of Southeast Asia Survey, Myanmar respondents are markedly negative towards the State Administration Council. This has coloured their assessment of ASEAN’s effectiveness in handing the country’s ensuing political crisis.
How the Arakan Army Can Capitalise on the Coup
If the Arakan Army plays its cards right, it could have two prized goals in sight: autonomy for Rakhine State in a loose and federalised system, or even independence.
Chinese Membership in the CPTPP: Greater Benefits Than Downside Risks
The State of Southeast Asia survey finds that, on balance, a majority of Southeast Asians view Chinese CPTPP membership positively, for the world economy and for China. 53.2 per cent of ASEAN respondents perceive that having China in the CPTPP will provide economic benefits to China, the United States, and other CPTPP partners.
Indonesia’s ‘New’ Security Approach in Papua is Fraught with Risks
The Indonesian military has proposed a ‘softer’ and more ‘humanistic’ approach in dealing with the restive security situation in Papua. But this could be ill-advised and premature.
Of Parachutes and Helicopters: Reconstructing the Decolonisation Agenda in Environmental Research
There is an intrinsic North-South divide in environmental research, which is also felt in Southeast Asia. There needs to be a mindset change to roll back some of these inequalities.