The unusual turn taken in a social media page run by a Vietnamese police anti-drug unit shows how controlling the conversation through humour can be a useful weapon.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Gun Jompalang: The Grey Zone of Influencers and Warfare in the Thai-Cambodia Conflict
A Thai influencer’s controversial actions in the conflict zone between Thailand and Cambodia highlight the inadequacy of the laws of war and military protocols in this digital age.
Indonesia’s Problematic Criminal Procedure Code Revision
Indonesia’s new Criminal Procedure Code might make it harder for justice to be done.
The Human and Environmental Costs of Critical Mineral Mining
With critical minerals mining activity expected to expand in Southeast Asia, ASEAN countries must collectively tackle the resulting transboundary pollution and impose stricter socio-environmental regulation of the sector.
ASEAN’s Regional Ambitions for the Semiconductor Industry
A new non-binding framework for relevant ASEAN member states to ramp up their semiconductor industries and supply chains has the potential to provide some relief against a darkening geopolitical outlook.
How China Outmanoeuvres the West in Myanmar
The West’s incoherent strategy is no match for a ruthless, integrated Chinese approach that leverages economic links to its advantage.
The Domestic Calculations of To Lam’s Foreign Policy
Domestic factors seem to impel Vietnam’s top politician as he jetsets around the world, ahead of an all-important Party congress.
Bersatu’s Muhyiddin Yassin: Why the Rush to Say ‘Good-bye’?
Recent machinations within some factions of Bersatu against its leader are of interest to its lower-profile coalition partner as the next general election approaches. How fast will the tide turn?
Why Community Mining Is No Panacea for Illegal Mining
Indonesia’s push to turn illegal mines into community ventures risks simply recycling old abuses and stalling genuine prosperity for local communities as long as oversight remains weak.
PAS’ ‘Civilisational Outrage’ at the US Rings Hollow When China Gets a Pass
Malaysia’s Parti Se-Islam Malaysia (PAS) doth protest too much about the prime minister’s engagement of the US, when its own dealings with China raise similar questions.