Thailand has not been immune to the sweep of ‘grey capital’ afflicting Laos and Myanmar. Given the authorities’ weak-willed approach to fighting the problem, it will continue to fester.
Category Archives: Editor Picks
From Exporting Workers to Importing Them: Vietnam’s New Labour Reality
Vietnam is transitioning from being a source of labour exports to an economy that imports unskilled foreign workers. This is becoming a long-term trend.
The US-China AI Chip War: Southeast Asia’s Compliance Dilemma
Southeast Asian countries face two dilemmas in the Sino-US AI chip war: aligning their technology stacks with either of the great powers and preventing the illegal diversion of restricted chips.
Indonesia’s 100 GW Solar Ambition: Can Rural Cooperatives Bridge the Gap?
Indonesia’s plan to generate 100 GW of solar energy is laudable. However, there are serious concerns about implementation.
Sino-US Action Against Drugs Keeps Functional Cooperation High
China and the US have been working together to combat illicit drug activities. This will have a significant impact on Southeast Asia.
China and the US: Who Will Better Understand Southeast Asia?
The US appears to be losing to China in the race to understand Southeast Asia. The real test, however, centres on whether a country can sustain the institutions to study the region critically.
Trump 2.0 Hollowing US Human Connections to Southeast Asia
The US’ human and intellectual connections to Southeast Asia are gradually being undermined.
Piloting Pragmatism: Vietnam’s Aircraft Diplomacy through the COMAC Deal
Vietnam’s tilt towards the use of Chinese-made COMAC aircraft represents more a calculated experiment than a strategic pivot.
Passage Through Hormuz in a Time of War and Peace
Many legal experts have used the aegis of international law to challenge Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The reality, however, is that the application of international law to the situation is more nuanced.
The War Against Iran and the Fragility of Southeast Asia’s Energy Responses
The US-Israeli war against Iran has underscored Southeast Asia’s vulnerability when it comes to energy supplies. But regional countries need to think beyond stopgap measures.