The passing of King Bhumibol’s, a figure of stability, is marked by grief and uncertainty over the economic and political state of the country. The newly crowned King Rama X’s actions will set the tone for the monarchy to be above the political squalor or be tainted by it.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Vietnam, ASEAN and the ‘Consensus Dilemma’
The ASEAN consensus principle constrains Vietnam’s efforts to forge a common position among the ASEAN member states on the South China Sea disputes. However, Vietnam and some ASEAN partners can work together to come up with ad hoc mechanisms to address urgent security issues.
Is Malaysia Really out of the Middle Income Trap?
Using international benchmarks for per capita income, Malaysia has declared itself to be out of the Middle Income Trap. A more accurate method would be to base the performance benchmarks on the transition towards higher value-added activities with efficient methods of production, highly-skilled workforce, deeper research capabilities, and efficient business environments.
Mahathir’s Bersatu is Best Understood as an NGO
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, a new Malay-based political party, has been formed by Mahathir Mohamad to provide an alternative to UMNO and wins votes from the Malays.
Bombings in South Thailand
While the Thai military government blamed the bomb blasts to the red-shirt conflict, incoming evidence suggests that Muslim separatist movements are involved. The bombings underscore the fact that the military government has failed to address the ethnic-religious conflict and the presence of Asian-based Islamic State (IS) networks in the south.
Issues and Points to Look out for at the 49th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting and Related Meetings
The 49th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting will take place against the backdrop of The South China Sea dispute, with the leaders of ASEAN unable to give a unified position on the matter. With six foreign ministers taking part in the AMM for the first time, the collegiality and cohesion of ASEAN will be tested.
Arbitral Tribunal Award Represents Legal Victory for Philippines, Massive Defeat for China
The Arbitral Tribunal on the South China Sea has ruled in favour of the Philippines. But China may adopt a hardline response. It could increase its naval presence in the South China Sea or commence reclamation work at Scarborough Shoal.
Duterte’s Aquino Legacies
The ruling by the Arbitration Tribunal on the South China Sea and the U.S.-Philippine Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement are two foreign policy legacies left by the Aquino administration. They will be stumbling blocks to the Duterte administration if it seeks to revise its foreign policy with China and the US.
Myanmar Forum 2016: Key Takeaways
The Myanmar Forum 2016 highlighted the imperatives for the NLD government to restore trust and create conditions that are conducive to doing business in Myanmar. The newly-elected parliament need to repeal and revise outdated laws and develop policies relevant to the country’s current needs.
Duterte, Jokowi and ASEAN
The political ascensions of Jokowi and Duterte is a significant challenge to ASEAN unity and centrality. As political outsiders with minimal international experience, their foreign policies are nationalistic and unilateral – focusing more on supporting the administration’s domestic infrastructure and nation-building agenda.