COMMENTARIES

The Shangri-La Dialogue at 20

James Crabtree

In this episode, William Choong, managing editor of Fulcrum, talks to James Crabtree, executive director of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (Asia), the London-headquartered think tank which runs the annual Shangri-La Dialogue. Held annually, the Dialogue covers a broad range of regional security issues. This year, the focus will likely be on the state of Sino-U.S. relations.

Southeast Asian Views on the United States: Perceptions Versus Objective Reality

Lee Sue-Ann

5-year data trends from the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute’s State of Southeast Asia annual survey suggest that ASEAN countries have remained ambivalent about the US’ regional leadership role on multiple fronts. While there is still a reservoir of goodwill towards the US in the region, this is being depleted in some countries and cannot be taken for granted.

Dark Horse Could Win Thai Premiership

Napon Jatusripitak|Termsak Chalermpalanupap

There has been much speculation as to whether the Move Forward Party might be able to install its candidate as the prime minister of Thailand. But the country’s next leader might well emerge from the ranks of Pheu Thai, the opposition party which won the second-largest number of seats in the recent elections.

A Strategic Reset?: The Philippines-United States Alliance under President Marcos Jr

Aries A. Arugay|Ian Storey

The Philippines-United States alliance has been reinvigorated since Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was elected president in May 2022. Since Marcos took office, the two countries have increased the tempo of high-level interactions and military engagements. However, an increasingly influential pro-China lobby composed of national and local politicians, pundits and media are acting in concert to undermine this revitalisation.

Move Forward Party Has Won the Election, but May Lose the Premiership Race

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

The Move Forward Party’s surprise victory in the Thai general election was a major upset for the Pheu Thai Party. However, Pheu Thai may be better positioned to form the next government. It has the flexibility of working with some parties in the Prayut Administration; whereas Move Forward, which is 63 votes short of winning the premiership, has rejected working with all parties in the previous government coalition.