COMMENTARIES

11 May 2022

US-ASEAN Summit: The Audacity of Trope

Joanne Lin

ASEAN leaders will finally meet US President Joseph Biden at the long-awaited US-ASEAN summit in Washington. Whether ASEAN and US can find convergence on regional issues, such as Washington’s desire to manage the rise of China, will be a pressing challenge.

11 May 2022

More Political Implications Than Meet the Eye in Upcoming Election for Bangkok Governor

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

Bangkok’s voters will go to the polls to elect a new governor on 22 May 2022 for the first time in nearly a decade. The clear front-runner is former transport minister Dr Chadchart Sittipunt. This article evaluates the prospects for a surprise upset.

Thai Elections Thai Politics Thailand

10 May 2022

A Victory for the Social Opposition: Upping Protection for Victims of Sexual Violence

Max Lane

Indonesia’s social opposition has notched an important victory with the passage of a landmark law against sexual violence. The victory was propelled by a unified campaign and the fact that the legislation did not pose a threat to economic interests.

Civil Society Gender Equality Indonesia Indonesian Politics

9 May 2022

Princess Sirivannavari’s Textile Initiative and Royal Power: Will Thai People Take the Hook?

Alexandra Dalferro

A textile motif designed by Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, the daughter of King Vajiralongkorn, is becoming popular across Thailand, raising questions about the power and purchase of the monarchy.

Thai Monarchy Thai Politics Thailand

6 May 2022

The Liberal Order’s Illiberal Turn: Implications for Southeast Asia

Lee Sue-Ann

The clash of online opinions surrounding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reveals support for pro-Russia, pro-Putin narratives in Southeast Asia. Untangling why such rhetoric is attractive points to deep dissatisfaction with the existing liberal international order. Southeast Asia can play a part in helping the world avoid worse alternatives.

ASEAN-China Relations ASEAN-U.S. Relations International Relations Russia Ukraine

6 May 2022

The Russia-Ukraine War and its Potential Impact on Russia’s Arms Sales to Southeast Asia

Ian Storey

Russia has been the largest exporter of arms to Southeast Asia over the past two decades but the value of its defence sales to the region has fallen sharply since its annexation of Crimea in 2014. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will only exacerbate this downward trend.

Armed Conflict Defence Russia Security Ukraine

4 May 2022

Sustaining Malaysia’s FDI Rebound: Promotion is Good, Facilitation Better

Tham Siew Yean

A better way forward is to continue to enhance investment facilitation measures, making it easier for investors to establish and expand their operations, and conduct their day-to-day business in host countries. In this regard, boosting post-investment, after-care services will grow in importance.

Economic Development Economic Planning Foreign Direct Investment Malaysia Malaysian Economy

4 May 2022

The New FPI: Don’t Buy the Same Horse Twice

Ahalla Tsauro|Firmanda Taufiq

The neo-FPI, the latest reincarnation of the Islamic Defenders Front, has sought to make a clean break from its controversial predecessor. Indonesians should take it with a dollop of salt.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Political Islam Religion Religious Intolerance

29 Apr 2022

Hydropower Development in Sarawak: Sensitivities over Sustainability and China’s Involvement

Tham Siew Yean

China has become the most significant foreign partner in Sarawak’s hydropower development, as its extensive knowledge and experience in this domain dovetails with Sarawak’s ambitious programme to develop hydropower for its own needs and for export to the region.

China-Malaysia Relations Environment Malaysia Renewable Energy Sustainable Development

29 Apr 2022

Local Matters in the 2022 Philippine Elections

Maria Ela L. Atienza

With most eyes on the national posts in the May 2022 Philippine elections, it is easy to overlook important governance issues at the local level. A new Supreme Court ruling will allocate more fiscal resources to but also demand more responsibilities from local governments. Yet lingering structural and political challenges prevent them from efficiently delivering basic services, initiating local development, and empowering the people.

Philippine Philippine Elections Philippine Politics