Malaysia is trying to preserve neutrality between the US and China, but that space is narrowing as rivalry intensifies in trade, technology, and security. This Long Read argues that neutrality should not be judged only by aggregate trade and investment flows, because sector-level dependencies reveal hidden alignments that reduce real policy freedom.
Category Archives: Long Reads
How Southeast Asians Experience Chinese-Built Infrastructure
This Long Read reports the findings of an online survey on perceptions of Chinese-built infrastructure in Southeast Asia. It reflects both the tangible benefits of these projects and broader considerations shaping regional views of China as an infrastructure development partner.
How Small States Can Survive Big Changes: Laos, Mekong and ASEAN in the Age of Might Makes Right
“Might makes right” is back in form with major powers’ use of tariffs and military actions, leaving small states like Laos with fewer buffers and narrower margins for error than more capable middle powers. This Long Read explores options and imperatives for Laos as it navigates new geopolitical realities.
Vietnam’s Reconfigured Leadership: Personnel and Power in the “New Era”
This Long Read assesses one of Vietnam’s most consequential leadership transitions in decades, following the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) in January 2026 and the 16th National Assembly elections in March 2026.
How Should Southeast Asia Respond to Carney’s Davos Clarion Call?
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney posited that the world order was not experiencing a “transition” but rather a “rupture” from the global system established in the aftermath of the Second World War. For Southeast Asia, and its primary institutional forum – ASEAN – this means recognising that some of its most cherished principles might no longer be entirely valid and reassessing traditional assumptions about regional cohesion and commonality of interests.
Southeast Asia and the Third Gulf War: Impact, Responses and Implications
This Long Read examines the Iran war’s impact on Southeast Asia’s energy and food security, the measures regional governments have implemented to ease the situation, and assesses the geopolitical implications for the region.
Danantara’s Patriot Bond and the Unchanged Role of Chinese-Indonesian Conglomerates
The Patriot Bond issued by Danantara shows that Indonesia’s economic nationalism under Prabowo is a repackaging of long-standing state–business ties using new financial instruments. The dominance of Chinese Indonesian conglomerates among Patriot Bond subscribers highlights their enduring role in Indonesia’s political economy.
The Philippines’ Engagement with Japan: A Steady and Deepening Strategic Partnership
As the Philippines faces a more complex strategic environment, security cooperation with like-minded countries is critical. This Long Read examines the strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines, particularly under the Marcos Jr administration.
Media Literacy in Malaysia: A Vital Reliance on Network Confirmation
This Long Read reports findings from a study investigating how Malaysians practise media literacy in a fast-moving and often untrustworthy media landscape. A key finding is that respondents with busy schedules who still want to verify the information they come across, turn to leveraging trusted social networks.
Youth’s Solidarity Beyond Borders: What Encourages Indonesian Muslim Students to Boycott Israel?
This Long Read shares the key findings of a survey examining the factors that predispose Indonesian Muslim undergraduates to engaging in a worldwide activist movement to boycott Israel.