There is much virtue for smaller states, particularly those in Southeast Asia, in upholding high principles and expressing a desire for a rules-based regional order. These elements, however, are premised on continued stability in Sino-US relations, which is not guaranteed.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Pakatan Harapan to Retake Melaka: Long Odds?
The Pakatan Harapan faces long odds if it wants to return to govern the state of Melaka again. A deep dive into three key seats illustrates the challenges that the coalition faces in polls due tomorrow.
Cambodia and Covid-19: Last to Lock Down, First to Open Up
Cambodia, a lower middle-income country, has enjoyed relative success in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. Hopefully, its chairing of ASEAN next year will provide the nudge to form a regional travel bubble.
Bumiputeras vs ‘the Others’ in Malaysia’s 2022 Budget: Moral Outrage is Not Enough
The UMNO-Perikatan-governed Bumiputera agenda forges on, with a zealousness that, if unchecked, will spell trouble. But the critique must go beyond moral outrage at the ethnic disparities in the budget and grapple with real alternatives.
Technology and Climate Adaptation: How to Fill the Gap
The adoption of digital technology can help Southeast Asian countries adapt to the effects of climate change.
The 2022 Philippine Elections: Like Father, like Daughter-te
The son of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos and the daughter of the current populist president Rodrigo Duterte are seeking to consolidate the power of their inter-dynasty alliance. The formation of an inter-dynasty alliance will have implications for the country’s political landscape for years.
The Future of Duterte’s Pivot to China: A Non-Defeatist Approach
Duterte’s China pivot is at a crossroads. The upcoming May polls will give the leading presidential candidates some room to rethink the country’s China policy.
COP26 and Southeast Asia: Cop-outs and Take-Aways
The conclusion of the 26th Conference of Parties in Glasgow has several implications for Southeast Asia.
State of Southeast Asia Survey 2022
Cambodia’s Chairing of ASEAN: The Heat is On
As the chair of ASEAN in 2022, Cambodia will have a lot to prove, be it on issues such as Myanmar, the South China Sea, and the grouping’s external relations.