COMMENTARIES

People attend a job fair held by the Confucius Institute at University of Al-Azhar in Jakarta

5 Feb 2024

Unemployment, Poverty and Corruption: Young Indonesian Voters’ Top Economic Concerns

Siwage Dharma Negara|Maria Monica Wihardja

Indonesian Millennials and Gen-Z would like their next president to create jobs, eradicate poverty and combat corruption. While personality dominates the Indonesian election, policy platforms will impact the country’s future – and may tilt the election outcome.

5 Feb 2024

Najib Razak’s Partial Pardon: Cui Bono?

Francis E. Hutchinson

The controversial halving of Najib Razak’s 12-year sentence appears to be a boon to multiple stakeholders.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

5 Feb 2024

Will Vietnam Turn to Russia or America for Its New Jet Fighter?

Ian Storey

Vietnam needs to upgrade its ageing fighter fleet. But it faces a list of less than optimal options.

U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam Vietnam-Russia relations Vietnamese Military

2 Feb 2024

Move Forward Stands at the Brink of Dissolution

Napon Jatusripitak|Mathis Lohatepanont

Political tensions in Thailand have escalated following a court ruling that could potentially lead to the dissolution of the Move Forward Party over charges stemming from its campaign to amend the country's lèse majesté law.

Thai Military Thai Monarchy Thai Politics Thailand

2 Feb 2024

Will Better-Informed Indonesian Youth Vote for Dynastic Politicians?

Iim Halimatusa’diyah|Yoes C. Kenawas|Fikri Fahrul Faiz

Political dynasties are prevalent in Indonesia and many new democracies, with regressive effects, but recent research finds that Indonesian university students are averse to political dynasties. Critical and well-informed youth can be agents of change in strengthening democracy.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections Indonesian Politics

1 Feb 2024

Marcos’s Visit to Vietnam: When Manila’s Pivot Meets Hanoi’s Pragmatism

Hoang Thi Ha|Aries A. Arugay

Vietnam and the Philippines have agreed to strengthen maritime cooperation in the South China Sea. Digging deeper, however, the two countries are taking distinct approaches in countering the Chinese coercion in the maritime area.

Philippine South China Sea Vietnam

1 Feb 2024

ASEAN-EU Partnership Remains Vital to Sustain Multilateralism in A Shifting Global Order

Joanne Lin

Ahead of the 24th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting, Joanne Lin looks at ways in which ASEAN and the EU may strengthen multilateralism as partners in integration.

ASEAN ASEANFocus EU-ASEAN Relations

1 Feb 2024

Indonesian Voters’ Preferences in 2024: Less Determined, More Diverse

Yatun Sastramidjaja

A December 2023 ISEAS-Premise survey on Indonesian voters’ reasons for liking and disliking the presidential candidates sheds more light on what voters want to see in their next president. Strength, intelligence and independence, not cuteness, are the keys to their ballot.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections

31 Jan 2024

What is Laos’ Game Plan for the Myanmar crisis?

Sharon Seah|Moe Thuzar

Whether it was Laos' effort in persuading the SAC to send a representative or the junta changing their minds, Laos should continue to harness a family effort to get the junta to adhere to the grouping’s Five Point Consensus.

ASEAN Laos Myanmar

31 Jan 2024

A Political Settlement in Thailand’s Deep South: Three Steps Forward, Two Steps Back

Paul Chambers

There are some grounds to be optimistic about the dialogue process in Thailand’s Deep South. But a more permanent solution is likely to be stymied by the kingdom’s powerful military.

Thai Military Thai Politics Thailand