Long Reads | FULCRUM

The ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership What’s in a Name

The ASEAN-China CSP was formally launched at the Commemorative Summit to celebrate the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-China dialogue relations, with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in attendance. In this picture, Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah (C) takes part in the ASEAN-China Summit on the sidelines of the 2021 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits held online in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, on 26 October 2021. (Photo: Hakim S. Hayat, AFP)

ASEAN’s decision to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with both China and Australia demonstrates its desire to maintain equilibrium in its relations with all major powers and foster an inclusive multi-polar regional order.

Growing Shariatisation in Indonesia: The Ulama Council of Indonesia (MUI) Moment?

The Ulama Council of Indonesia (MUI) has evolved from a state “lackey” to an organisation with significant influence. With the shariatisation project becoming more mainstream in Indonesia today, this could be MUI’s biggest window of opportunity to further assert its influence.

Restoring Public Trust in Vietnam’s Pandemic Response: A Bumpy Road Ahead

A woman walks past a billboard with information on preventing the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus in Hanoi, taken on 19 October 2021. (Photo: Nhac NGUYEN/ AFP)

The worst wave of Covid-19 infections to hit Vietnam since late April has threatened to chip away at the hard-earned public trust the government was able to engender last year. That is a major concern for a regime that relies on public support and patriotic nationalism to boost its legitimacy.

Japan’s Foreign Policy Direction under Kishida

New Japanese premier Fumio Kishida’s likely continuation of quiet economic, diplomatic and security investment in the region aligns well with Southeast Asian preferences.

The Melaka State Election: Unwanted, Unwieldy, and Unpredictable

Mr Muhyiddin Yassin and Mr Abdul Hadi Awang

The upcoming Melaka state election due on November 20 will be a useful barometer of the electoral fortunes of Malaysia’s shifting alliances and overlapping coalitions, particularly on the Peninsula.

Indonesia’s Budget Stretched to Control a Pandemic and to Revive a Struggling Economy

A massive second wave of delta-variant infections has disrupted Indonesia’s economic growth trajectory. This complicates the government’s budget implementation and planning for 2022. While funds are sorely needed for social spending and economic programmes, fiscal prudence is critical to avoid any downgrading of Indonesia’s risk and debt ratings.

How Much Longer Can Thailand’s Prime Minister Rule Before Reaching the Eight-year Limit?

A dispute has emerged over when Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha’s premiership will reach the constitutional limit.

Why US Rivalry with China Will Endure: Implications for Southeast Asia

Despite the Biden government’s efforts to improve relations with Southeast Asia, considerable domestic constraints hinder Washington from joining multilateral economic groups or de-emphasising human rights concerns to compete more effectively with China in Southeast Asia.

Climate Change: Can We Fix The Future Through Franchising?

McDonald’s has adopted an emissions target in the region. The contractual power that franchisors have places them in a unique position to speedily transition many other businesses into low-emissions, more climate-friendly activity. In this picture, people wearing face masks queue outside a McDonald’s fast-food restaurant in Singapore on 11 May, 2020. (Photo: Roslan RAHMAN/ AFP)

In Southeast Asia, little attention has been given to greening the franchise sector. Yet, it has potential to contribute significantly to regional efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.