Commentaries | FULCRUM

Proximity Without Leverage? Indonesia’s Risky Bet on Trump’s Board of Peace

President Prabowo’s involvement in Trump’s Board of Peace may have given Indonesia some proximity to the US, but his aim of gaining leverage in tariff negotiations is elusive.

Russia’s Critical Military Role in Myanmar’s Civil War

While China wields much influence over Myanmar, Russia plays an outsized role in equipping the country’s military.

Thailand’s Democrat Party: A Political Institution Survives

Democrat Party prime ministerial candidate and former Thailand prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (2nd R), campaigns alongside parliamentary candidate Jesada Lertthanasarn (R) and prime ministerial candidate and former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij (L) ahead of the general election, in Bangkok on 24 January 2026. (Photo by Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP)

The Democrat Party has made a comeback from a near-death experience. But there are still key challenges to overcome.

Indonesia’s Party Cartel System and the New ‘People’s Movement Party’

Sahri Hamid (in orange shirt with hand raised), Chairman of the People’s Movement Party (Partai Gerakan Rakyat), and honorary member, Anies Baswedan (in blue shirt). (Screengrab from Gerakan Rakyat / Youtube)

There’s potentially a new party in town, if it’s not nipped in the bud before the next elections in Indonesia.

Myanmar’s Foreign Exchange Shortages Have Eased, But Challenges Remain

Employees count kyat after a deposit at the KBZ Bank main office on 8 October 2015 in Yangon, Myanmar. (Photo by Taylor Weidman / GETTY IMAGES ASIAPAC / Getty Images via AFP)

The military regime’s efforts to conserve and tap new sources of foreign exchange have improved its financial situation. This benefits the regime and some businesses, though comes at a cost: increased military action, continued trade restrictions, and a depressed economy.

Implications of the Supreme Court Tariff Ruling on Southeast Asia

The Supreme Court has struck down President Trump’s IEEPA reciprocal tariffs, but the practical outcome on Southeast Asia is likely to be negligible. Further complications arise from his reimposition of tariffs through other means and the potential political fallout in his party.