Hanoi’s efforts to enlist social media influencers to spread positive narratives risk hurting their credibility, encountering platform pushback, and ultimately backfiring at home and abroad.
Category Archives: Commentaries
For Myanmar’s Garment Sector, Tariffs are a Setback, not a Knockout Blow
Shielded by ultra-low wages and duty-free access to the EU market, Myanmar’s garment industry may be able to weather President Trump’s steep “reciprocal” tariffs.
How Police Brutality Fuels Indonesians’ Distrust
Violence is a persistent problem in the Indonesian police force. Recent brutalities against peaceful demonstrators underscore the imperative of reform to enhance accountability and restore public trust.
When TikTok Live Went Dead in Indonesia: Digital Sovereignty and Systemic Risk
TikTok Live’s anticipatory suspension during nationwide protests in Indonesia last month shows the influence of Jakarta’s interventionist digital governance. Such suspensions hurt small businesses and can fuel misinformation.
Can Filipinos Transcend Polarised Politics to Protest Against Grand Corruption?
The Philippines has remained divided in reaction to a massive corruption scandal. Filipinos must overcome differences and cohesively apply public pressure.
The New Anutin Government Should Reset Thailand’s Trump Tariff Response
Thailand’s previous administration massively allocated funds for infrastructure. The new government needs to prioritise strategic industries and adopt a coherent long-term plan to address the adverse impacts of Trump’s tariffs.
How Vietnam Turns a Celebrity’s Misstep into a Cautionary Tale of Patriotism
The coordinated pushback against a Vietnamese influencer who had lamented the passing of a cultural icon shows that the state values displays of patriotism, but only if such displays toe the party line.
Indonesia’s Politics of Colours: Why Movements Turn to Hues as Symbols of Resistance
In a country long rich with visual symbolism, the use of colour to express one’s dissatisfaction with the government seems to be gaining popularity.
Will Trump Revolutionise American Foreign Policy?
Post Trump 2.0, US foreign policy will not likely continue on its current trajectory. That said, however, it also will not likely revert to the foreign policy before Trump’s ascent to power.
Should Southeast Asian Regulators be Awed by the GENIUS Act?
A new US law mandating a one-to-one exchange rate for stablecoins should give Southeast Asian governments some cause for circumspection as to how they regulate such new cryptocurrencies.