Commentaries | FULCRUM

Sanctions Will Not Bankrupt Myanmar’s Military But New Approaches to Trade and Finance Might

Opponents of Myanmar’s military regime can think more creatively about how to cut off the flow of foreign funds to the junta. If done more comprehensively, it can not only undermine the military but also arrest the economy in crisis.

The Road to Nusantara Just Got Longer: How the Recent Resignations Are a Wake-Up Call for Indonesian Governance

The recent loss of the top two officials leading the new capital’s construction and development process has thrown a serious wrench in the works for Indonesia’s President Widodo’s ambitious move. Pretending that all systems are still go is not the solution.

Chinese in Malaysia: Proud of China’s Rise, Yet Fiercely Malaysian

Chinese Malaysians are proud of China’s rise as a great power. But they have also forged a separate cultural identity quite apart from China’s efforts.

Pheu Thai’s Shift in Communication Strategy

The Pheu Thai Party has shut down the Voice TV media outlet, as part of a strategy to boost its flagging political fortunes.

A Controversy of Monks and Mosque: A Setback for Indonesians’ Tolerance?

A conservative Muslim figure tried to criticise a Central Java mosque’s generous act of hospitality in hosting foreign monks on its premises. Nevertheless, his view still seems to be that of a minority in moderate Indonesia.

Rethinking Philippine Counterterrorism Strategy after the Marawi Siege

Seven years after the siege of Marawi, the resurgence of the Abu Sayyaf Group has led to a renewed counter-push by the Philippine armed forces.

The Future of Thailand’s Move Forward Party in a Fluid Political Landscape

What’s next for the beleaguered Move Forward Party, harbinger of Thailand’s progressive political future?

Meeting Vietnam’s Skilling Challenges

Opportunities exist to upskill Vietnam’s young workforce, but how rapidly and successfully its government can do so depends on a fresh and demonstrated commitment to significantly strengthen the country’s educational and training systems. Time is running out.

Guarding Turf, Giving Credit: Malaysia’s Bumiputera Policy Must be Reasonable and Nimble

Malaysians need to find meaningful solutions to Bumiputera policy challenges. Malaysia’s political leaders have a chance to bravely seek change to improve the lot of Malaysians of all ethnic groups instead of maintaining the status quo.