COMMENTARIES

21 Jan 2020

China’s Polling Problems

Malcolm Cook

With three recent opinion polls all showing low levels of trust in China as a leading power, it has become undeniable that trust in China isn't growing in pace with its economic and strategic weight. This is a serious problem for China and Southeast Asia.

China Opinion Polls

20 Jan 2020

A Tale of Political Walk and Run Rallies in Thailand

Supalak Ganjanakhundee

A pro-government "Walk to Support Uncle" rally and an anti-government "Run to Oust Uncle" assembly have drawn similar numbers of participants, reflecting the political divide in Thailand.

Thai Politics Thailand

16 Jan 2020

Can China Actually Broker Ceasefires and Peace in Myanmar?

Nyi Nyi Kyaw

Despite China's growing role in brokering peace between Myanmar's military, government and ethnic armed groups, China faces three major hurdles that make rapid and significant progress unlikely in the near future.

China China-Myanmar Relations Myanmar

15 Jan 2020

The ‘Fighting Peacock’ in Myanmar Enters 2020 in a Fighting Mode

Nyi Nyi Kyaw

After a landslide victory in 2015, Myanmar's ruling NLD party is gearing up for the elections again, with a reaffirmation of the party's stance that politics should be conducted through negotiations and in the electoral arena rather than armed conflict.

Myanmar Myanmar Elections NLD

15 Jan 2020

A New Chapter in Thailand’s Politics

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

As Thailand's opposition parties weaken from allegations and defections, the ruling coalition government is set to gain strength in the House with little competition - heralding a new era in the country's politics.

Thai Politics Thailand

14 Jan 2020

Deadly Clash Brings Vietnam’s Land Disputes into the Spotlight

Le Hong Hiep

Fuelled by inconsistent land management and historical ambiguity over land use rights, land disputes remain a persistent problem in Vietnam. While these disputes rarely affect foreign investors, it is a thorny political issue that the CPV will need to resolve.

Land Disputes Vietnam

7 Jan 2020

Vietnam’s Dilemma in Dealing with Laos’ Mekong Hydropower Dams

Le Hong Hiep

Caught between its growing energy needs and Laos' controversial plans for more hydropower dams along the Mekong River, Vietnam has taken stakes in the projects to influence their development and minimise their environmental impact.

Energy Laos Mekong River Vietnam

27 Nov 2019

Thailand’s New Security Plan Highlights Threats to the Throne

Supalak Ganjanakhundee

Years of political turmoil and ingrained problems such as inequality, corruption and and inefficient administration have led to declining faith in the monarchy. This has widened political divisions in Thailand - an issue so serious that it has become the focus of Thailand's latest security plan.

Security Thailand

22 Nov 2019

Myanmar at the ICJ: Intent and Implications

Moe Thuzar

Aung San Suu Kyi's decision to represent Myanmar herself to defend against the genocide charges in the ICJ has sent a message that she is taking responsibility as the country's leader. This may translate into more votes for her party in the 2020 elections.

Aung San Suu Kyi ICJ Myanmar Rakhine