Commentaries | FULCRUM

Malaysia’s Negeri Sembilan: An Effective Regulatory Model for Sufi Movements and Tarekat Teachings

Negeri Sembilan’s religious authorities have found a balanced way to allow Sufism to thrive while respecting Islam’s orthodoxy.

Bhumjaithai-Led Government’s Platform Promises Financial Prudence but Needs Industrial Direction

Prime minister and Bhumjaithai Party’s party leader Anutin Charnvirakul speaks about the party’s future vision for the country at the Global Dynamics and Thailand’s Future event at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok on 12 January 2026. (Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)

The Bhumjaithai Party’s election manifesto indicates policy continuity with modest additional fiscal spending. The incoming BJT-led government should decisively provide direction for Thailand’s manufacturing sector.

From Production Platforms to the Techno-Electric Stack

China and the US are building new industrial structures known as techno-electric stacks. Southeast Asian economies need to think less about choosing sides and more about shaping and owning a piece of these stacks.

Enhancing ASEAN–EU Cooperation on Subsea Cable Security

ASEAN and the EU could transform their shared subsea cable vulnerabilities and complementary security approaches into practical resilience through closer interregional cooperation that eases the pressures of great power competition.

Thailand’s Upper South: The Conservative Swing State

Supporters of the Bhumjaithai Party (C) hold placards on the first day of the registration for Thailand's upcoming general election at the provincial hall in the southern province of Narathiwat on 27 December 2025. (Photo by Madaree Tohlala / AFP)

While the 2026 Thai elections were marked by a win by conservative elements, the situation in the Upper South was marked by the lack of a hegemon among conservative parties.