This Long Read describes China’s soft power in relation to Chinese overseas who as a whole constitute a potentially important resource for it.
Category Archives: Long Reads
Another Win for Barisan Nasional: Now To Prove Their Worth
With its victory in the Johor State elections, Barisan Nasional has won two state elections at a trot in four months. The run-up to election day was somewhat subdued, but the stakes are high, as the coalition rues its chances in the coming general elections.
Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: Southeast Asian Responses and Why the Conflict Matters to the Region
ASEAN’s official response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was relatively mild, reflecting the lowest common denominator of the varied positions taken by ASEAN member states. But the grouping needs to be mindful of the dangerous precedents set by Russia’s actions.
The Intractable Challenges Facing Energy Trade in Southeast Asia
A cross-border power grid offers Southeast Asian countries the potential of greater energy security, affordability and sustainability. But thus far, the lack of urgency in sharing energy to achieve long-term security across the region is palpable.
The Johor State Elections: A Spiderweb of Spats, Splits and Surprises
All eyes will look to Barisan Nasional as Johoreans head to the polls on March 12. Looking at the advantages BN faces going into the election and the fractured state of its opponents, BN has exceptionally strong chances of doing significantly better this time.
Political Instability and Enhanced Monarchy in Malaysia
Except in specific situations in which royal discretion is explicitly conferred, the Malaysian King is required to act on the advice of the Prime Minister. Lately, however, due to a widening trust deficit between citizens and government, there are calls for the monarchs to provide leadership and play an enhanced role in providing checks and balances against discredited political institutions.
A Roadmap for Consolidating Jokowi’s Legacy
With about two years left in power, Jokowi needs a viable roadmap and sound execution of policies to achieve significant results for his stated priorities. This Long Read proposes some steps to consider.
Southeast Asia Holds Mixed Perceptions of the Biden Administration
The State of Southeast Asia 2022 indicates that Southeast Asians have put more trust in the US under the Biden administration but that the level of trust is uneven among different countries.
“France’s Third Path” for the Indo-Pacific? Credentials and Challenges
Considering itself part of the Indo-Pacific on the grounds of history and overseas territories, France has released its Indo-Pacific strategy to guide its international action in this region.
The Biden Administration and Southeast Asia: One Year in Review
The Biden administration’s engagement with Southeast Asia in 2021 gained momentum in the second half of the year after a slow start. In 2022, the US will be assessed on the value of its Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, a clearer articulation of its Indo-Pacific strategy and the extent to which it demonstrates genuine efforts to upgrade relations with ASEAN.