The COVID-19 pandemic has sped up the move towards a digital economy, as well as other aspects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. There are fears that this accelerated transition will exacerbate wealth inequalities both within countries and regionally.
Category Archives: Long Reads
Tackling the Challenges of Financial Inclusion and Illegal Lending in Indonesia
The heavy financial toll of the pandemic on Indonesia’s poor has led to spikes in illegal moneylending activity. Urgent steps are needed to protect the vulnerable from the risks of financial exploitation.
“We are Independent Trolls”: The Efficacy of Royalist Digital Activism in Thailand
This Long Read examines the complex intersection of regime-organised cyber troops, pro-regime media outlets, and royalist activists in Thailand. Unlike the first group, the pro-regime press and royalist civic groups are not necessarily sponsored by the regime, but are instead ideologically driven to defend the crown.
“Reform, Not Abolition”: The “Thai Youth Movement” and Its Demands for Reform of the Monarchy
The Thai Monarchy has existed for centuries and despite official and public displays of love for and allegiance to the monarchy, it has constantly faced criticism. The call for its reform has gradually been incorporated into the contemporary Thai youth movement. From a dream, it has now developed into its dominant demand.
Malaysia on the Cusp of a New Political Order
The discourse on Malaysia’s political history has been in flux for some time. This Long Read revisits the series of political, economic and social ideas that have sustained previous political eras and explores what is to come.
‘Adapting to Nature’: A Preliminary Assessment of Vietnam’s Mekong Water Diplomacy since 2017
Vietnam’s water diplomacy since November 2017 reflects the country’s concerns over the Mekong Delta Region’s sustainable development prospects. Treating Mekong issues as a national security matter, Vietnam has mobilised resources for the development of the region and promoted regional cooperation towards a sustainable Mekong River Basin.
The EU in the Indo-Pacific: A New Strategy with Implications for ASEAN
The EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy can add a strong normative dimension to the Indo-Pacific region. As is the case with ASEAN, the EU places importance on building partnerships and reinforcing multilateral cooperation.
Mind the Gaps, Fill the Needs: A Strategic Outlook for the Philippine-US Alliance
The Philippines begrudgingly notes the disparity of treatment across US alliances in Asia as well as Washington’s shift to enhancing engagements with non-treaty partners. The Philippines must step up to play its part and articulate its key interests better.
Thailand’s Main Opposition Party Hopes for a Landslide Election Victory: A Realistic Goal or Just a Dream?
Phuea Thai (PT), Thailand’s main opposition party, is aiming at scoring a landslide victory in the country’s next general election, which is expected to take place in the third quarter of 2022. PT’s success may help allow the party’s chief patron, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, to end his self-imposed exile overseas.
The Kunming-Vientiane Railway: A Post-pandemic ‘Deus ex machina’ for the Lao Economy?
The Lao government has committed considerable sums of money and political capital to make the Kunming-Vientiane railway happen. It now needs to secure a return on that investment.