COMMENTARIES

4 Mar 2022

Putting a Floor Under Asia’s Sinking Cities

Dimas Fauzi

Rising sea levels will affect many Asian countries, particularly those in Southeast Asia. There needs to be fresh approaches and policies to manage what is termed a ‘super wicked problem.'

Climate Change Environment

3 Mar 2022

Threat to Amnesty International Reflects Climate of Repression in Thailand

Alexandra Dalferro

The recent move to expel Amnesty International from Thailand is yet another indicator of the growing influence of the ultra-royalist political faction in Thailand.

3 Mar 2022

‘Stand, Stop, Imprison’: People’s Defiance against the Thai Establishment

Anusorn Unno

Protestors against the Thai establishment have found a new form of defiance: demanding offenders’ right to bail. The ‘Stand, Stop, Imprison’ campaign has spread far and wide, largely due to its less controversial nature.

Thai Politics Thailand

3 Mar 2022

From Remote Paradise to Levelled Villages: The Sit-Tat Assault on the ‘Yaw Valley’

Mary Callahan

The Yaw Valley, one of the most remote and bucolic areas in Myanmar’s Buddhist heartland, has seen fierce skirmishes between the military and local resistance forces. The junta sees the area as strategic as it sits on the road to the military’s headquarters at Kalay airport.

Armed Conflict Myanmar Myanmar Military

2 Mar 2022

Russian Invasion of Ukraine Poses Geopolitical Quandaries for Vietnam

Phan Xuan Dung

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine came as a surprise to Vietnam. It remains to be seen how Vietnam can leverage its long-held omni-directional foreign policy to manoeuvre out of the crisis.

Russia Ukraine Vietnam

2 Mar 2022

Parsing Objections to Moving Indonesia’s Capital

Yanuar Nugroho

There are substantial and valid concerns about the government’s decision to move Indonesia’s capital to East Kalimantan. It should have taken these concerns into account.

Indonesia Indonesian Economy Indonesian Politics Infrastructure

1 Mar 2022

Is ASEAN a Toothless Tiger in the Face of Ukraine Crisis?

Joanne Lin|William Choong

ASEAN says that it is ‘deeply concerned’ about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but it has stopped short of condemning Moscow. The statement by the grouping reflects varied perspectives among member states. But it is important for smaller states in ASEAN to uphold the aegis of international law.

ASEAN ASEAN-Russia Relations Russia Ukraine

28 Feb 2022

Is an Opposition Alliance Still Possible in the 2022 Philippine Presidential Elections?

Elvin Ong

A united anti-Marcos-Duterte opposition alliance is still possible in the Philippines today, if opposition leaders accept difficult compromises with each other, just like they did 36 years ago.

Philippine Philippine Elections Philippine Politics

28 Feb 2022

The State of Southeast Asia Survey

The State of Southeast Asia Survey: An Outlet for Myanmar Aspirations

Moe Thuzar

In the 2022 State of Southeast Asia Survey, Myanmar respondents are markedly negative towards the State Administration Council. This has coloured their assessment of ASEAN's effectiveness in handing the country's ensuing political crisis.

Myanmar Myanmar Military Myanmar Politics State of Southeast Asia Survey

28 Feb 2022

A Roadmap for Consolidating Jokowi’s Legacy

Yanuar Nugroho|Hui Yew-Foong

With about two years left in power, Jokowi needs a viable roadmap and sound execution of policies to achieve significant results for his stated priorities. This Long Read proposes some steps to consider.

Indonesia Indonesian Economy Indonesian Politics