COMMENTARIES

27 Apr 2023

PDI-P Nominates Ganjar Pranowo as Its Presidential Candidate: What’s Next?

Made Supriatma

Indonesia’s largest political party has finally ended the speculation on whom it will back for 2024’s presidential race. Game on.

27 Apr 2023

China’s “Model” Relationship with Southeast Asia: Significance and Limitations

Lye Liang Fook

China’s “model” relationship with Southeast Asia has the effect of constraining the foreign policy options of these countries by prescribing the elements it would like to see in the relationship. A more realistic approach is for countries to grow their ties based on each country’s national interests.

ASEAN-China Relations China

26 Apr 2023

Where to Grow From Here? MUDA’s Struggles in Muar, and Beyond

Kevin Zhang|James Chai

MUDA, a youth-based party in Malaysia, seeks greater recognition from Pakatan Harapan. However, the recent general election outcome in Muar, MUDA’s sole parliament win, shows the limits of the party’s traction, notably among Malay youth.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

26 Apr 2023

Going Beyond Commitments: Learning Sustainability Financing from the G20

Maria Monica Wihardja

Maria Monica Wihardja provides an overview of how Indonesia spearheaded the G20 Sustainability Financing initiatives and how ASEAN can learn from that experience.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Finance G20 Indonesia Sustainable Development

26 Apr 2023

The Diminishing Role of ASEAN in the Myanmar Crisis

Gwen Robinson

Gwen Robinson looks at the evolving crisis in Myanmar and highlights the diminishing role of ASEAN as the international community runs out of patience.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Myanmar Myanmar Elections Regional Cooperation

25 Apr 2023

Policy Lessons from the Cancellation of Indonesia’s Host Rights for the FIFA U-20 World Cup

Yanuar Nugroho

The fallout from Indonesia’s recent loss of its chance to host the Under-20 World Cup contains valuable lessons for its policymakers and leaders, if they choose to pay attention.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics

21 Apr 2023

Thailand’s Lèse-majesté Law: A Subtle Referendum in the Upcoming Elections?

Napon Jatusripitak

Political parties which tout the need for more democracy in Thailand have shied away from aggressively promoting amendments to the kingdom’s lese-majeste law. However, the law’s impact on generational and ideological divides remains in motion.

Thai Politics Thailand

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken walks into a restaurant for dinner in Hanoi on April 15, 2023. (Photo: Nhac NGUYEN / AFP)

20 Apr 2023

Is the Sun Shining on Vietnam-US Relations?

Dien Nguyen An Luong|Hoang Thi Ha

The U.S. has become increasingly adept at engaging in areas that best resonate with Vietnamese leaders and the public. But Washington still needs to navigate the tricky shoals of political differences, China-wary Vietnamese elites and media censorship.

U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam

20 Apr 2023

U.S.-Vietnam Relations: Ready for a Strategic Partnership Upgrade?

Nguyen Khac Giang

While signs are afoot that Hanoi is drawing a little closer to Washington, Vietnam will likely stick to familiar ground when managing its relations with the two largest powers.

U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam Vietnamese Politics