COMMENTARIES

12 Jul 2021

A Tale of Two Vaccines in Vietnam

Hoang Thi Ha

The public reactions to the arrivals of Covid-19 vaccines to Vietnam – one from China, the other from the United States – underscore a geopolitical dilemma for the country.

9 Jul 2021

Malaysia’s Latest Political Fisticuffs – Muhyiddin or Zahid on the Ropes?

Francis E. Hutchinson

In the past week, the Malaysian prime minister had to absorb a couple of political blows. But his coalition is not in any immediate danger — yet.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics UMNO

9 Jul 2021

Biden’s ‘China Challenge’ and Domestic Politics: Implications for Southeast Asia

Shaun Narine

Under President Biden, Southeast Asia is dealing with a US administration that remains determined to compete with and confront China but is mired in political paralysis caused by deep ideological divisions. This will constrain the US’ ability to act as a reliable security and economic partner in the region.

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

9 Jul 2021

K-pop Activism: A Potent Political Force

Dorcas Gan

K-pop activism is a growing phenomenon in Southeast Asia, serving as an alternative means of political mobilisation and expression among tech-savvy youth.

Indonesia K-pop Myanmar Social Media Technology Thailand

8 Jul 2021

Phalang Pracharat Party’s Reshuffle: Preparing the Ranks for Battle

Punchada Sirivunnabood

While the recent reshuffling of its executive committee and a proposal to revise Thailand’s electoral system, Thailand’s ruling Phalang Pracharat Party is well-placed to contest the country’s next round of elections.

Thai Politics Thailand

8 Jul 2021

Habib Rizieq and Hardline Islamist Groups: Losing Steam

A'an Suryana|Nur Syafiqah Mohd Taufek

Facing a sentence that will see him behind bars till 2025, radical cleric Habib Rizieq Shihab will face problems bouncing back from the political wilderness. His enforced absence from the political scene will be a boon to secular and nationalist presidential candidates.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Islam Islamist Groups

7 Jul 2021

#BenderaPutih: Hoisting the White Flags of Hope

Serina Rahman

The White Flag Movement underscores how Malaysians will go the extra mile to help each other out, at a time when there is growing unhappiness over the government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

7 Jul 2021

Lancang-Mekong Cooperation: Overcoming the Trust Deficit on the Mekong

Richard Grünwald

The Lancang Mekong Cooperation has suffered a deficit of trust following the publication of a study in April 2020 raising concerns over the impact of Chinese mainstream dams on the Mekong’s water flow. To overcome the trust deficit on the Mekong, it is important to depoliticise hydrological science by ensuring compliance with standard research procedures and collaboration among relevant institutions.

ASEAN-China Relations China Japan Mekong River South Korea Thailand

7 Jul 2021

Why the New Indonesia-US Maritime Training Centre is Strategically Important

Aristyo Rizka Darmawan

A new maritime training centre established by Indonesia and the United States is emblematic of sustained bilateral cooperation in the maritime domain, and the ASEAN member state’s independent and active foreign policy.

Indo-Pacfic Indonesia South China Sea U.S. Foreign Policy