COMMENTARIES

1 Jul 2021

When the Pandemic Spreads Another “Fever”: Regional Autonomy

Tita Sanglee

Some Thai provinces are learning to adapt quickly to the Covid-19 pandemic. This might drive regional efforts for greater independence from Bangkok.

30 Jun 2021

Sino-Myanmar Ties: “Pauk Phaw” Relationship or For China’s Benefit?

Courtney T. Wittekind

China and Myanmar are said to have a “pauk phaw” or fraternal relationship. Many people in Myanmar, however, are clear-eyed about the limits of the bond.

Aung San Suu Kyi China China-Myanmar Relations Myanmar

workers fixing a floater onto a solar panel as part of the construction of a floating solar power farm on Tengeh reservoir in Singapore

30 Jun 2021

Trade and Environmental Disputes May Persist Despite Promising Leaders’ Summit on Climate

Melinda Martinus|Qiu Jiahui

At the recent Leaders’ Summit on Climate Change convened by the Biden Administration, several ASEAN leaders emphasised the principle of differentiating levels of economic development between states in their response to climate change. Finding a balance between this principle and ambitious climate targets remains a challenge.

ASEAN Asean Trade Climate Change E.U. Environment U.S.

30 Jun 2021

PLA Overflight near Malaysian Airspace: A Precarious Provocation

Abdul Razak Ahmad|Kuik Cheng-Chwee|Lai Yew Meng

China’s deployment of People’s Liberation Army Air Force aircraft near Malaysia’s air space last month smacks of hypocrisy and creeping hegemony. Beijing may not be as benevolent as it wants smaller states to believe.

China China-Malaysia Relations Malaysia South China Sea

30 Jun 2021

To Lockdown or Not? Indonesia’s Dilemma in Handling the Covid-19 Second Wave

Yanuar Nugroho

The Jokowi government appears to be on the verge of imposing a hard lockdown to curb a second wave of Covid-19 infections. But this belies longstanding hesitancy to adopt drastic measures that could hurt the economy.

COVID-19 Health Indonesia Indonesian Economy Indonesian Politics

28 Jun 2021

The Pandemic and Push Towards a Digital Economy: Greater Inequality?

Jayant Menon

The Covid-19 pandemic and the concurrent push towards a digital economy may worsen inequalities. But digitalisation in some parts of Southeast Asia may also increase inclusion, connectivity and incomes in areas where there is freer trade and movement of labour and capital.

COVID-19 Income Inequality Technology

28 Jun 2021

Give It Another Shot, Uncle Sam

Charles Dunst

As it pertains to Washington’s relations with Southeast Asia, the Biden Administration is not faring much better than its predecessor. A low-hanging fruit would be the supply of Covid-19 vaccines.

ASEAN China-U.S. Relations COVID-19 Southeast Asia U.S. Vaccine Diplomacy

25 Jun 2021

Indonesia’s Covid-19 Surge: Contradictions and Criticism

Max Lane

Indonesia’s latest Covid-19 surge has piled pressure on the Widodo government, which is under pressure to reconsider some form of lockdown to rein in the spread of the coronavirus.

COVID-19 Health Indonesia Islam Religion

25 Jun 2021

Major Parties Lacking Candidates with a Winning Chance in Bangkok’s Gubernatorial Election

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

The election for the post of governor of Bangkok is due to take place in the last quarter of this year. However, Thailand’s major political parties lack suitable candidates with realistic chances of victory.

Thai Military Thai Politics Thailand

24 Jun 2021

Southeast Asia and Food Price Inflation: Double Whammy

Paul Teng

Across the world, climate change and Covid-19 disruptions have led to rising food prices in the past year. Southeast Asian countries, which have not been immune to such challenges, need to build resilience in their food security policies.

ASEAN Climate Change COVID-19 Southeast Asia