The 2nd Trump administration has overturned long-standing pillars of US foreign policy, slashing aid, weaponising tariffs, and dismantling multilateral and normative commitments. Southeast Asia – with deep ties to the US economically, strategically, and developmentally – has been particularly vulnerable to these shocks.
Category Archives: Long Reads
The Roots and Persistence of Terengganu’s Hardline Approach to Islamic Law
Since August 2025, Terengganu has implemented stringent shariah-based legislation penalising Muslim men who neglect Friday prayers, allowing for imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of up to RM3,000. This reflects a broader trend of rigorous shariah enforcement under the PAS-led state government.
Between Rivalry and Rapprochement: The Trials and Trajectory of India-China Relations
After five years of tensions, India–China relations have entered a phase of cautious and fragile re-engagement. However, deeper structural faultlines remain. Meaningful progress will depend on whether Beijing chooses to accommodate India’s strategic interests – but given the power asymmetries between the two countries, this Long Read argues that the prospects are dim.
The JS-SEZ and Johor’s Private Healthcare Sector: Catalysts and Challenges
The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone provides attractive investment opportunities in several sectors. The focus on private healthcare is warranted as Malaysia’s healthcare sector is one of the fastest-growing in the region.
RedNote’s Success and Beijing’s Soft Power in Southeast Asia
The Chinese social media app RedNote has expanded its presence in Southeast Asia, making the region its second-largest market outside mainland China. RedNote, which only has a single global version for both domestic and foreign users, is subject to greater content regulation from the Chinese government than platforms like TikTok and WeChat. Ultimately, RedNote’s ability to grow its regional influence depends on its ability to address regional concerns over whether the app will be exploited by Beijing to propagate its political narratives and influence Southeast Asian netizens.
Decarbonising Food Systems: Opportunities for a Concerned ASEAN
Food system decarbonisation is one of the main pathways chosen by ASEAN Member States to meet their obligations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris Agreement. Concurrent with this is the transformation of food systems from high-emission, carbon energy-intensive systems to low-carbon emission systems with improved resilience, farmer livelihoods and environmental health.
Thailand’s Deterrence Failure Against Cambodia: A Focus on Structural Hindrances
The border confrontation between Thailand and Cambodia stems from the former’s failure to deter the latter. There is a resolve gap on the part of the Thai elite; in addition, the lack of resolve stems from structural pressures such as the imperative of a limited war and Thailand’s long borders. Changing these entrenched structures will be difficult, if not impossible.
Islamic Soft Power: Malaysia Well-Positioned to Consolidate its Global Leadership on Halal Branding and Governance
Malaysia has successfully transformed halal governance from religious compliance into a strategic tool of soft power. Through the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC), halal became both a moral brand and an economic driver across food, finance, tourism, cosmetics, and logistics.
ASEAN’S Evolving Climate Governance Framework
ASEAN’s climate governance architecture has evolved to match the urgency to align regional ambition with Paris Agreement goals, with growing recognition that regional coordination is vital in accelerating the green transition and attracting international climate finance.
Competition among Thailand’s Three Largest Parties Deepens the Country’s Political Uncertainties
People’s Party, Pheu Thai, and Bhumjaithai, Thailand’s three largest parties, have been intensifying their competition in preparation for an early general election. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his Bhumjaithai Party have the best chance of winning political advantage and gaining more popularity.