COMMENTARIES

3 Dec 2021

The USS Connecticut Incident: Silent Service, Turbulent Clash?

Ian Storey

A recent incident involving a US Navy nuclear-powered submarine underscores the danger of an increasingly congested underwater environment in the South China Sea.

China-U.S. Relations South China Sea

29 Nov 2021

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

Norshahril Saat

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.

29 Nov 2021

Myanmar’s Infrastructure Development: A Dire Future

Khine Win

Myanmar has gnawing gaps in its infrastructure development which will affect its economic development in the years to come. To compound matters, the issue is not a priority for the State Administration Council.

Myanmar Myanmar Economy Myanmar Military Myanmar Politics

29 Nov 2021

World Trade Organisation Talks: Make or Break

Jayant Menon|Richard Pomfret

The second postponement of the World Trade Organisation’s 12th Ministerial Conference, may only compound its woes. When they meet, a looming North-South divide and the long-standing consensus rule could stymie progress in many areas.

Asean Trade World Trade Organisation

26 Nov 2021

Perikatan Nasional’s Performance in Melaka: Worth a Double Take

Francis E. Hutchinson|Kevin Zhang

The Barisan Nasional victory in the recent elections in Melaka has hogged the headlines. But the performance of other coalitions, such as Perikatan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan, provides usual indicators for the next national polls.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

25 Nov 2021

China and Second Thomas Shoal: For They Say, But Do Not

Ian Storey

China’s expressed desire to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea rings hollow when one examines its recent actions around Second Thomas Shoal.

China-Philippine Relations South China Sea

25 Nov 2021

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

Dien Nguyen An Luong

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.

COVID-19 Vietnam

24 Nov 2021

Jokowi Playing It Safe by Picking Loyalists to Lead the Indonesian Military

Made Supriatma

The latest leadership reshuffle in the TNI reflects President Jokowi’s desire to ensure he has loyalists at the helm, as political jockeying intensifies in Indonesia.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics

24 Nov 2021

What is China Bringing to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN

Joanne Lin

Last Monday, ASEAN member states met formally with China’s top leader Xi Jinping for the first time to commemorate 30 years of dialogue partnership.

ASEAN ASEAN-China Relations South China Sea

23 Nov 2021

Indonesia’s New Army Chief: Nudging the Country Towards the Sea

Aristyo Rizka Darmawan

The newly-appointed commander of the Indonesian military has an army background. But his appointment comes at a time when Indonesia’s defence challenges fall largely in the maritime domain.

Indo-Pacific Indonesia Indonesian Politics