COMMENTARIES

26 Jul 2024

Strategies to Boost the Inclusion of ASEAN Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Global Value Chains

Mima Sefrina

Mima Sefrina discusses how domestic and regional policies can help to overcome ASEAN SMEs' low participation in global value chains.

26 Jul 2024

Time to Rebalance the Wheels in Thailand’s Green Automotive Policy

Archanun Kohpaiboon

Chinese EV makers are thriving in Thailand due to the country’s tariffs and incentives, but industry incumbents are struggling. Its automotive policy should reconsider how it incentivises consumer choice while fostering industrial transformation.

China EV Cars Thailand transport

25 Jul 2024

Nguyen Phu Trong’s Foreign Policy Legacy: Shaping Vietnam’s Great Power Balance

Phan Xuan Dung

Nguyen Phu Trong’s strategic nous in shaping Hanoi’s relations with the great powers is his foremost foreign policy legacy.

China-Vietnam Relations U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

25 Jul 2024

Indonesia’s Largest Muslim Organisation Mired in Controversy After Youth Cadres’ Visit to Israel

A'an Suryana|Syafiq Hasyim

Whether they were made use of or knew what they were doing, the actions of five young Nadhlatul Ulama members during their recent trip to Israel have stirred up a hornet’s nest.

Indonesia International Relations Islam Southeast Asia

24 Jul 2024

Cool in the Crossfire? Thailand Amidst Major Power Competition

Sharon Seah|Tita Sanglee

Thailand stands out in the region for its unruffled response to rising great power rivalry. Why so?

China-Thai Relations Thailand U.S.-Thailand Relations

24 Jul 2024

Southeast Asia and the Global South: Rhetoric and Reality

Hoang Thi Ha|Cha Hae Won

This article contextualises Southeast Asian countries within the Global South discourse, examining where they align with the characteristics generally associated with the Global South and where they diverge.

China China-Southeast Asia relations International Relations Southeast Asia

23 Jul 2024

Malaysian State Governments Can Do More, and Get More Taxes

Lee Hwok-Aun

Malaysia’s states are demanding more tax revenue from Putrajaya. The country should consider transferring both government roles and revenues from federal to state levels, starting with social welfare and consumption tax.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics

23 Jul 2024

Myanmar’s Trade Takes a Turn for the Worse

Jared Bissinger

Three plus years of conflict have ravaged Myanmar’s economy and its military rulers can no longer paper over deeper structural obstacles to prevent a serious downturn.

Myanmar Myanmar Economy Myanmar Military