COMMENTARIES

3 Jul 2020

Smaller Countries in the Asia-Pacific: Mired in the Middling Middle

William Choong

Rising Sino-US rivalry and a rapidly changing geopolitical environment means that smaller states in the Asia-Pacific are increasingly compelled to “choose sides” between the two major powers. They are, however, not short of options.

2 Jul 2020

Australia’s 2020 Defence Strategic Update: Red Alert, Down Under

Malcolm Cook

Australia’s recently-released defence update may be the most consequential document in terms of Canberra’s defence relations with Southeast Asia. Australia is asking its Southeast Asia partners to do more, while offering them more in return.

ASEAN Australia Southeast Asia

1 Jul 2020

Call for Coalition Government in Myanmar Is Premature

Nyi Nyi Kyaw

Some political parties have called on the ruling National League for Democracy to form a coalition government come the November polls. Such a tactic is premature.

COVID-19 Myanmar Myanmar Elections

29 Jun 2020

A Covid-19-Induced Export Slump: Magnifying a Malaysian Malaise

Tham Siew Yean

A historic slump in Malaysia’s exports has been attributed to the coronavirus sweeping across the region. But the fall is indicative of a deeper, structural weakness in the economy.

COVID-19 Malaysia Malaysian Economy

26 Jun 2020

South China Sea: Indonesia Crosses Swords with China

Leo Suryadinata

Indonesia has recently taken a firmer position vis-à-vis China on the South China Sea. Those who think that Jakarta is assuming the leadership mantle of ASEAN on the issue will be disappointed; the more assertive stance derives from Jakarta’s own interests.

Indonesia South China Sea

26 Jun 2020

Thai Government: The Question of Legitimacy

Supalak Ganjanakhundee

Thailand’s tough lèse majesté laws do not appear to have stifled expressions of resistance against the monarchy. Perhaps a review and relook of the laws surrounding perceived offenses to the monarchy is in order.

Thai Military Thai Politics Thailand

24 Jun 2020

Sino-US Strategic Competition: Shades of a New Cold War?

Daljit Singh

A new report by the White House has cast China as an ideological threat to cherished liberties and the American way of life. This is a bipartisan approach that will endure even if President Donald Trump loses his bid for a second term.

China-U.S. Relations Cold War

23 Jun 2020

Choosing Pakatan Harapan’s Prime Ministerial Candidate: Reconciling the Unreconcilable?

Francis E. Hutchinson

The Pakatan Harapan coalition has a plan for a political comeback, based on (another) pact between Mahathir Mohamad and his erstwhile nemesis, Anwar Ibrahim. While a bitter pill for Anwar and his party, this looks to be the only option before them. That this is the only visible pathway back to power does not make it any more likely to happen.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

22 Jun 2020

Cash, Cards And Cigarettes: Is Covid-19 Helping or Hampering The Black Economy?

Michael Schaper

It is difficult, at this stage, to predict the impact of Covid-19 on the black economy in the region. Lockdowns and the near-total ban on air travel could well affect underground trade – but only if regulators up their street smarts.

ASEAN Black Economy Southeast Asia

21 Jun 2020

Joko’s Fire and Fury: A Chance to Reform the Cabinet?

Yanuar Nugroho

As a recession looms, President Joko Widodo has unleashed his fury on his ministers for their mishandling of the Covid-19 pandemic. Speculation about a Cabinet reshuffle is rife. Instead of focusing on personalities, however, the emphasis should be on areas which desperately need reform

Indonesia Indonesian Politics