HOME COMMENTARIES

COMMENTARIES

Seizing the Middle-Power Moment: ASEAN and Canada at a Convergence

Ambra Dickie

ASEANFocus is privileged to feature H.E. Ambra Dickie, Canada’s Ambassador to ASEAN. Ambassador Dickie reflects on the evolution of ASEAN-Canada dialogue relations and discusses how both sides can seize the “middle power moment” together, amid a shifting Indo-Pacific landscape. She shares Canada’s perspectives on the importance of ASEAN as the region’s leader, the significance of the forthcoming ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement, and the importance of strengthening ASEAN-Canada ties to sustain an inclusive and enduring partnership.

Japan’s Grand Strategy Amid Geopolitical Flux

Kei Koga

Fulcrum editor William Choong talks to Kei Koga about Japan’s grand strategy and approach to the Indo-Pacific amid challenges to the global rules-based order. Prof Koga is Associate Professor and Head of Division at the Public Policy and Global Affairs Programme, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

Danantara’s Patriot Bond and the Unchanged Role of Chinese-Indonesian Conglomerates

Leo Suryadinata|Siwage Dharma Negara

The Patriot Bond issued by Danantara shows that Indonesia’s economic nationalism under Prabowo is a repackaging of long-standing state–business ties using new financial instruments. The dominance of Chinese Indonesian conglomerates among Patriot Bond subscribers highlights their enduring role in Indonesia’s political economy.