Commentaries | FULCRUM

Navigating Trump 2.0 Tariffs: Keep Calm and Carry On

Southeast Asian countries are likely to be caught up in the crossfire between China and the US. But there could be a silver lining.

Growing Piety among Malaysian Youth Should be Taken with a Pinch of Salt

The ISEAS Youth Survey 2024 results show that religiosity in leaders is important to Malay/Muslim students but bread-and-butter issues may be more critical to them.

Border Crackdown on Organised Crime Puts Vulnerable Myanmar Population in Thailand at Risk

The authorities of affected countries should crack down on crime at the Thailand-Myanmar border. However, they should also consider what the human cost of such policing might be for thousands of displaced and vulnerable Myanmar citizens.

Chinese Streaming Content in Southeast Asia: Opportunities for Thailand

China is using popular drama series to expand its soft power in Southeast Asia, and in particular, Thailand.

Trump 2.0 and Thailand: Transactional Realism

The return of Donald Trump to the White House has raised concerns about the health of US-Thailand relations. But some of the fears are overdone.

Rebel Violence in Myanmar and NUG’s Crisis of Legitimacy

Some law enforcement groups under the parallel National Unity Government (NUG) have become a danger to civilians. Their actions threaten to undermine the NUG’s legitimacy.

Vietnam’s Era of ‘National Rise’: Great Expectations

To Lam, Vietnam’s General Secretary, intends to usher his country into a new period of “national rise”. But the accelerated nature of his goal will be challenging.

Can Japan Provide Stability to Southeast Asia Amid US Uncertainty?

The Japanese leader’s trips to Malaysia and Indonesia signify the country’s desire to be a stable force in Southeast Asia with deeper military, economic and green energy ties as Trump takes office and China’s influence continues to grow.