Last month Myanmar became the first Southeast Asian country to take delivery of a made-in-China submarine. In doing so, China has upped the stakes in its competition with Russia to supply Myanmar with a new fleet of submarines. Price and geopolitics will decide which country wins.
Category Archives: Commentaries
The President Versus the Cleric: Managing Conservatives From Within
A recent public spat between President Joko Widodo and a prominent cleric underscores how the former is facing challenges in reining in conservatives in his inner circle.
High Vaccination Rates Bring Hope to Vietnam’s 2022 Economic Outlook
High vaccination rates have given Vietnam some latitude in opening up its economy — and some optimism for better GDP growth in 2022.
The ‘Revival’ of PKI: Bogeyman Tactics
The Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) no longer exists in the country’s political landscape. But this has not stopped some groups from using the PKI bogeyman for political gain.
Form over Substance: A Threat to Livelihoods and Social Cohesion
Recent trends in Malaysia show that religiously conservative ideas are no longer restricted to the Malay heartlands. There should be more space carved out for freedom of conscience, with less interference from state or civil society actors.
The 212 Movement: Flagging Political Fortunes
The decline of the 212 Movement in Indonesia could well portend the decline of political Islam.
Vietnam’s Covid-19 Response: ‘Those above tell, those below do not heed.’
Vietnam’s fight against the Covid-19 pandemic has been affected by tensions between the central government and the provinces. More cooperation between the regions might help.
Myanmar’s Climate Crisis: Damaging Policies Need Reversal
Myanmar’s looming climate crisis has been exacerbated post-coup, with the suspension of several important climate projects and the refocusing of Myanmar’s economy on extractive industries.
Southeast Asian Militaries: The Need to Boost Strategic Autonomy
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.
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.