The public reactions to the arrivals of Covid-19 vaccines to Vietnam – one from China, the other from the United States – underscore a geopolitical dilemma for the country.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Malaysia’s Latest Political Fisticuffs – Muhyiddin or Zahid on the Ropes?
In the past week, the Malaysian prime minister had to absorb a couple of political blows. But his coalition is not in any immediate danger — yet.
K-pop Activism: A Potent Political Force
K-pop activism is a growing phenomenon in Southeast Asia, serving as an alternative means of political mobilisation and expression among tech-savvy youth.
Phalang Pracharat Party’s Reshuffle: Preparing the Ranks for Battle
While the recent reshuffling of its executive committee and a proposal to revise Thailand’s electoral system, Thailand’s ruling Phalang Pracharat Party is well-placed to contest the country’s next round of elections.
Habib Rizieq and Hardline Islamist Groups: Losing Steam
Facing a sentence that will see him behind bars till 2025, radical cleric Habib Rizieq Shihab will face problems bouncing back from the political wilderness. His enforced absence from the political scene will be a boon to secular and nationalist presidential candidates.
#BenderaPutih: Hoisting the White Flags of Hope
The White Flag Movement underscores how Malaysians will go the extra mile to help each other out, at a time when there is growing unhappiness over the government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Why the New Indonesia-US Maritime Training Centre is Strategically Important
A new maritime training centre established by Indonesia and the United States is emblematic of sustained bilateral cooperation in the maritime domain, and the ASEAN member state’s independent and active foreign policy.
Myanmar’s Garment Industry After the Coup: Threadbare and in Tatters
Five months after the February coup, the future of Myanmar’s garment industry hangs by a thread.
US-Vietnam Military Relations: Marking Time in China’s Shadow
Relations between Vietnam and the United States have advanced markedly, particularly in trade and diplomatic cooperation. But bilateral military relations will continue to be stymied by Vietnam’s approach to China.
All Abuzz About an Anti-parasite Drug
A divisive debate has broken out in regional social media over the use of ivermectin to treat Covid-19. The focus of the debate should remain squarely on its effectiveness as a therapeutic treatment for the coronavirus.