To truly win the hearts of its youthful population, Vietnam should properly invest in war movies instead of exploiting the short-lived online popularity of a domestic war romance film for propaganda purposes.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Vietnam’s Geopolitical Anxiety Over Cambodia’s Funan Techo Canal
Vietnam’s concerns about a China-backed canal project in Cambodia are making some waves. Cambodia’s new leader has a chance to calm the waters.
A Tightening Noose Heightens Risks to Investors in Myanmar’s Economy
The continued fallout of Operation 1027 and the military regime’s rollout of conscription raise the stakes for Myanmar’s ailing economy.
Possibilities in Malaysia’s Difficult Path to a Low-Carbon Economy
Malaysia’s climate action commitments are vital, but difficult to achieve. A three-pronged approach opens possibilities to be a low-carbon economy.
Indonesia’s 2024 Presidential Election in North Sumatra: The End of a Long-Established Religious Binarism?
In February’s presidential race, the use of religion as a motivator to get votes seemingly declined in North Sumatra. This shift echoed the national propensity to focus on pragmatism in politics, rather than piety.
Southeast Asia and the Chip Wars: Navigating a Decoupling World
The race for some Southeast Asian countries to anchor themselves in the global semiconductor industry is open and evolving, even as it is complicated by factors like great power rivalry.
Malaysia Must Seize the Pivotal Developments in Myanmar
Malaysia’s former foreign minister outlines a possible roadmap for Malaysia as 2025 ASEAN Chair, Myanmar, and ASEAN to forge a realistic way out of the Myanmar crisis. There is a lot of work to be done. This article builds on the author’s press statement of 9 April 2024.
Throwing Multiple Blows: “Eksil” (The Exiles) and Indonesia’s Fight against Political Taboo
Mr Hanafi is responding to Max Lane’s Fulcrum, published on 18 March 2024, on the success of “Eksil”, the documentary about ten exiled Indonesians discussing Suharto’s purge of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) and the ensuing violence in the mid-1960s.
Bersatu’s Unending Crisis: No End in Sight
Parti Pribumi Malaysia Bersatu is going through a vulnerable period, with defections by members and leadership tussles.
The Case for Vietnam’s Mekong Energy Diplomacy
Vietnam needs to complement water diplomacy with energy diplomacy to curb the unsustainable exploitation of the Mekong for hydropower. Hanoi should promote the development and cross-country trade of non-hydro renewables, especially wind and solar power.