Myanmar’s agricultural sector fared relatively well in 2023. The prognosis moving forward is not so bright.
Category Archives: Commentaries
The Philippines’ Near-Standoff with China at Sabina Shoal: Bolstering Preventive Deployment
The Philippines has tried a new tactic of preventive deployment at Sabina Shoal but more must be done.
The ‘Strong Leader’ Online Influence Operations and Filipinos’ Desire for Effective Government
The Filipino electorate’s collective yearning for a ‘strong leader’, while exploited for political mileage, is better understood as a desire for a government that cares and acts decisively for the people.
Pheu Thai: Between a Rock and a Hard Place
The Pheu Thai party has to tread a delicate balance between its coalition with conservatives and fulfilling reformist expectations.
Triangle Trouble: What’s Next for Vietnam’s Indochina Strategy?
Cambodia’s withdrawal from a trilateral development triangle involving Laos and Vietnam spells trouble for Hanoi’s ‘near abroad’ regional strategy.
Finding the Sweet Spot Amidst Major Power Rivalry: The Case of Vinfast
VinFast, the electric vehicle manufacturer from Vietnam, is making inroads into the US. This would help, in not an insignificant way, the US to attain its climate change goals.
Mainstreaming Religious Moderation in Indonesia’s Urban Spaces
Indonesia has pushed ahead with initiatives to promote religious moderation. Such programmes, however, need to address deeper issues.
Sino-US Competition: Southeast Asia Retains Agency
Amid intensified Sino-US competition, Southeast Asia countries are mistakenly seen as pawns on the geopolitical chessboard. In reality, they possess a fair degree of agency.
President Prabowo’s Politics of Accommodation Might Mean a Short Honeymoon
Indonesia’s new president might have squandered an opportunity to start with a lean, efficient Cabinet instead of appeasing supporters and partners to form the largest Cabinet since Sukarno.
Fraternity-Related Violence in the Philippines: Long Road to Justice
Networks of patronage continue to propagate abuses by fraternities in the Philippines. These networks should be dismantled.