COMMENTARIES

6 Jan 2022

Policymakers’ View

Whatever Happened to the Middle Way?

Teo Chee Hean

In an increasingly fractious world, Singapore and like-minded countries can reclaim the middle ground and build greater consensus and cooperation. Speaking at ISEAS’ 25th Regional Outlook Forum today, Teo Chee Hean, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, spoke of how this can be achieved. The full text of the speech at the online forum is below.

5 Jan 2022

Myanmar’s National Unity Consultative Council: A Vision of Myanmar’s Federal Future

Htet Myet Min Tun|Moe Thuzar

The National Unity Consultative Council has built on earlier models to map out a vision for Myanmar’s federal future. A key challenge would be to gain the trust of ethnic armed groups and political parties towards Bamar-dominated processes.

Federalism Myanmar Myanmar Military Myanmar Politics Peace Talks

4 Jan 2022

Myanmar’s Submarines: The Race Is on Between China and Russia

Ian Storey

Last month Myanmar became the first Southeast Asian country to take delivery of a made-in-China submarine. In doing so, China has upped the stakes in its competition with Russia to supply Myanmar with a new fleet of submarines. Price and geopolitics will decide which country wins.

China-Myanmar Relations Maritime Security Myanmar Myanmar Military Russia

4 Jan 2022

‘Adapting to Nature’: A Preliminary Assessment of Vietnam’s Mekong Water Diplomacy since 2017

Truong-Minh Vu|Tram Nguyen

Vietnam’s water diplomacy since November 2017 reflects the country’s concerns over the Mekong Delta Region’s sustainable development prospects. Treating Mekong issues as a national security matter, Vietnam has mobilised resources for the development of the region and promoted regional cooperation towards a sustainable Mekong River Basin.

Climate Change Environment Golden Triangle Mekong River Sustainable Development Vietnam

3 Jan 2022

The President Versus the Cleric: Managing Conservatives From Within

A'an Suryana|Norshahril Saat

A recent public spat between President Joko Widodo and a prominent cleric underscores how the former is facing challenges in reining in conservatives in his inner circle.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Religion

31 Dec 2021

High Vaccination Rates Bring Hope to Vietnam’s 2022 Economic Outlook

Le Hong Hiep|Phan Xuan Dung

High vaccination rates have given Vietnam some latitude in opening up its economy — and some optimism for better GDP growth in 2022.

COVID-19 Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

30 Dec 2021

The ‘Revival’ of PKI: Bogeyman Tactics

Leo Suryadinata

The Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) no longer exists in the country’s political landscape. But this has not stopped some groups from using the PKI bogeyman for political gain.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics

29 Dec 2021

Form over Substance: A Threat to Livelihoods and Social Cohesion

Sharifah Afra Alatas|Faris Ridzuan

Recent trends in Malaysia show that religiously conservative ideas are no longer restricted to the Malay heartlands. There should be more space carved out for freedom of conscience, with less interference from state or civil society actors.

Islam Malaysia Malaysian Politics Political Islam Religion Religious Intolerance

29 Dec 2021

The 212 Movement: Flagging Political Fortunes

Syafiq Hasyim

The decline of the 212 Movement in Indonesia could well portend the decline of political Islam.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Islam Political Islam

28 Dec 2021

Vietnam’s Covid-19 Response: ‘Those above tell, those below do not heed.’

To Minh Son

Vietnam’s fight against the Covid-19 pandemic has been affected by tensions between the central government and the provinces. More cooperation between the regions might help.

Communist Party of Vietnam COVID-19 Vietnam Vietnamese Politics