COMMENTARIES

16 Oct 2020

Is It Time to Open Borders?

Jayant Menon

The asymmetry in the treatment of national and international movement with regard to the management of the Covid-19 pandemic is no longer justified. If coupled with robust testing and tracing, opening up borders can deliver economic benefits without significantly raising health risks.

COVID-19 Open Borders

16 Oct 2020

Indonesian Muslim Groups Oppose Omnibus Law

Syafiq Hasyim

President Jokowi’s unpopular job creation law creates a new rift with Indonesia’s leading Islamic groups.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics

14 Oct 2020

Myanmar: Social Media Holds Little Sway on Voting Patterns

Moe Thuzar

A recent pre-election survey has confirmed the conventional wisdom that voter attitudes are entrenched and will be influenced little by the barrage of social media campaigns.

Myanmar Myanmar Elections

14 Oct 2020

Welcome and Vet: Investments from China in Southeast Asia

Victor Teo

In this geostrategic climate, Southeast Asian countries should welcome rather than reject investment from China for their own developmental needs. This is likely to entice competing investments from the West and Japan.

Belt and Road Initiative Cambodia

13 Oct 2020

The South China Sea, a fault line in China-Russia relations?

Ian Storey

The South China Sea poses a stress test in Russia-China relations, pitting China’s excessive claims against Russian energy interests.

Russia South China Sea

13 Oct 2020

Biden or Trump? Southeast Asia’s Stakes in the US Election

Daljit Singh

A check list of the differences Southeast Asia can expect if Joe Biden wins the US presidential election or Donald Trump is returned to the White House.

Southeast Asia US

12 Oct 2020

Covid-19 or Not, Myanmar Will Go to the Polls as Scheduled

Nyi Nyi Kyaw

Despite a wave of Covid-19 infections in the country, in particular in Yangon, the authorities are determined that the 8 November polls will be conducted as scheduled.

Myanmar Myanmar Elections

12 Oct 2020

Japan and Southeast Asia: Kindred Spirits in the era of Trump

Victor Teo

Richard Armitage, a veteran Republican official, has called for an Indo-Pacific that is inclusionary and not directed at any country. His view is markedly different from that of many Trump officials, and is similar to that of Japan and many countries in Southeast Asia.

Japan Southeast Asia

12 Oct 2020

Act East or Acting? India and ASEAN

Hoang Thi Ha

China is taking action to deepen economic engagement with Southeast Asia. India, despite Prime Minister Modi’s Act East rhetoric, is not.

ASEAN India

9 Oct 2020

Revenge of the Asia-Pacific?

Malcolm Cook

The much-ballyhooed “Indo-Pacific” term has gained much traction in the region in recent years. The new Democratic Party platform, however, pointedly excludes the use of the term, and touts the older “Asia-Pacific” instead. Is this Biden’s attempt at getting at Trump?

Indo-Pacfic US