COMMENTARIES

12 Apr 2022

Russia’s War Against Ukraine: Why Hard Power Matters

James Bosbotinis

Russia's invasion of Ukraine provides the context for Washington to strengthen its alliances and partnerships across the Asia-Pacific, including in Southeast Asia.

12 Apr 2022

We’re Feeling It: Philippines Voters’ Emotional Beliefs in Presidential Candidates

Michael Magcamit

Emotions underlying voter decision might explain Philippine voters’ overwhelming support for Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as the leading candidate for president of the country, even when the historical record of his family’s notoriety suggests otherwise.

Philippine Philippine Elections Philippine Politics

11 Apr 2022

Getting Ready for those Business Black Swans

Michael Schaper|Serina Rahman

To prepare for future disasters, the Malaysian government should roll out a national response plan to help smaller businesses tide through the storm.

Climate Change Disaster Management Malaysia Malaysian Economy

11 Apr 2022

Silent Strikes: Striking Against the SAC’s Chance to Govern

Aung

The SAC’s brutal crackdowns on Myanmar protestors have had limited effect on the creative ‘silent strikes’ organised on three occasions since February 2021. Townships throughout the country became ‘ghost towns’ to protest the SAC’s atrocities, and there are hints that these actions have unsettled some within the regime.

Myanmar Myanmar Military Myanmar Politics

8 Apr 2022

Unpacking Russia’s Twitter Disinformation Narratives in Southeast Asia

Darren Cheong

A key reason why some pro-Russia disinformation narratives about the war in Ukraine have found resonance in Southeast Asia is that they have successfully tapped into latent anti-U.S. and anti-West sentiments.

Misinformation Online Misinformation Russia Southeast Asia

8 Apr 2022

ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance: Putting Money Where the Mouth Is

Sharon Seah

An ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance is a significant move for ASEAN. But it does not come without challenges.

ASEAN Asean Trade Climate Change Finance Southeast Asia Sustainable Development

7 Apr 2022

Singapore and the United States: Speaking Hard Truths as a Zhengyou

William Choong

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s recent visit to the United States highlights a unique dynamic in the bilateral relationship: Singapore’s ability to speak frankly and candidly to its superpower partner.

China-Singapore Relations China-U.S. Relations International Relations Singapore Singapore-U.S. Relations U.S. Foreign Policy

6 Apr 2022

New Chinese Migrants in Chiang Mai: Parallel Paths for Social Interaction and Cultural Adjustment

Aranya Siriphon|Fanzura Banu|Pagon Gatchalee

While descendants of older Chinese migrants in Thailand consider themselves Thai, new Chinese migrants tend to struggle with assimilating, due partly to negative stereotypes about foreign Chinese. This Long Read explores the parallel communities these new Chinese migrants have forged to address their needs for social integration.

China-Thai Relations Immigration Thailand

5 Apr 2022

Bahasa Melayu as ASEAN’s Second Language: Sekali Lagi Tak Boleh

Joanne Lin

Malaysia has again proposed making Malay a working language of ASEAN, but this proposal is likely to be a non-starter as ASEAN wrestles with more pressing crises.

ASEAN Malaysia Malaysian Politics

4 Apr 2022

Will Vietnam Be Able to Wean Itself Off Russian Arms?

Le Hong Hiep

Vietnam is finding it increasingly hard to continue its policy of buying military equipment from Russia. Hanoi is aware of the rationale for securing weapons from other countries, but doing so will not be easy.

Vietnam Vietnam-Russia relations