COMMENTARIES

16 Sep 2021

Vietnam and Economic Reopening: Roadmap Needed

Tuan Ho

Vietnam has been wise to switch from a ‘zero Covid’ strategy to one of living with the coronavirus. But it needs a clear plan to maintain business activity as the economy reopens. 

15 Sep 2021

Indonesian Militants React to Taliban Takeover

Quinton Temby

The Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan has been welcomed in Indonesia’s militant Islamist circles and even among some mainstream figures.

Afghanistan Indonesia Islamist Groups Taliban U.S.

15 Sep 2021

Reform of the Thai Police: An Impossible Dream?

Punchada Sirivunnabood

A recent police scandal has again sparked calls for reform of the Thai police force. There have been numerous attempts in the past, but the key problem is the entrenched relationship between powerful politicians and senior police officers.

Thai Military Thai Politics Thailand

14 Sep 2021

Malaysia’s #Kitajagakita Invigorates Political Activism and Tackles Apathy

Clarissa Ai Ling Lee

A new political movement driven by the grassroots is gaining momentum in Malaysia. Centred on the hashtag #kitajagakita, it embodies ordinary citizens’ responses to crises without political interference and red tape.

COVID-19 Malaysia Malaysian Politics

13 Sep 2021

Ideology Versus Pragmatism: Vietnam’s Statecraft towards China and America

Huynh Tam Sang|Pham Do An

China is seeking to drive a wedge between Hanoi and Washington, even as Vietnam-US relations continue to flourish. Hence, Vietnam’s striking a balance between its ideological cohesiveness with China and pragmatic ties with the US is being put to the test.

China Indo-Pacfic U.S. U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vaccine Diplomacy Vietnam

China's President Xi Jinping (L), Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel (C) and Russia's President Vladimir Putin

10 Sep 2021

The Russia-China Strategic Partnership and Southeast Asia: Alignments and Divergences

Ian Storey

The Sino-Russian nexus has been strengthening against the backdrop of heightening US-Russia and US-China strategic rivalry. This has some implications for Southeast Asia as Russia and China continue to oppose US hegemony and work to undermine America’s alliances and partnerships.

China Defence Russia South China Sea Southeast Asia

9 Sep 2021

Deepening US-Vietnam Ties: Less Geopolitics, More Human Security

Phan Xuan Dung

Discussions about the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and the United States typically centre on the geopolitical aspects. A more meaningful way of developing the relationship is actually in the field of human security.

U.S. U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam

8 Sep 2021

The Covid-19 Recession: Rough Times for Young Malaysians

Lee Hwok-Aun|Kevin Zhang

The COVID-19 recession has compounded employment and income difficulties for Malaysia’s young workers. They experience higher unemployment and are more adversely impacted than other age groups in terms of wage decrease and under-employment. This has contributed to greater political restiveness among Malaysia’s youth.

COVID-19 Malaysian Economy

7 Sep 2021

Buy Now Pay Later in Vietnam: Expectations and Challenges Ahead

Nicolas Lainez|Trịnh Phan Khánh

The Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) fintech segment has promising prospects in Vietnam. But care must be taken to mitigate against potential pitfalls for less financially literate consumers.

Southeast Asia Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

6 Sep 2021

Easier Monetary Policies Amid Covid-19: Maintain, Not Roll Back

Sithanonxay Suvannaphakdy|Neo Guo Wei Kevin

Southeast Asia economies have maintained easier monetary policies to cushion the shock of the Covid-19 pandemic. Now that prices are trending upward, they should think twice before tightening the policies.

ASEAN COVID-19 Southeast Asia