COMMENTARIES

23 Jul 2024

Myanmar’s Trade Takes a Turn for the Worse

Jared Bissinger

Three plus years of conflict have ravaged Myanmar’s economy and its military rulers can no longer paper over deeper structural obstacles to prevent a serious downturn.

22 Jul 2024

Can Vietnam Thrive under Trump 2.0?

Nguyen Khac Giang

With the potential for a second Trump administration, Vietnam will need to prepare for different scenarios.

U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

22 Jul 2024

All Roads Lead to Bhumjaithai?

Napon Jatusripitak|Suthikarn Meechan

The Bhumjaithai Party is cementing its status as the quintessential power broker in Thai politics.

Thai Elections Thai Politics Thailand

19 Jul 2024

Anti-Corruption Politics and Shifts in Central-Local Relations in Vietnam

Nguyen Khac Giang

Since 2021, half of the members of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam who were removed for corruption were provincial leaders, resulting in a decrease in provincial representation in the Committee from 40 per cent to 28 per cent. Moving forward, Vietnam must strike a balance between its anti-corruption efforts and the need to preserve provincial autonomy, to sustain economic growth at the local level.

Anti-Corruption Corruption Vietnam Vietnamese Economy Vietnamese Politics

19 Jul 2024

China-Philippines Talks: A Sliver of Hope to Reduce Tensions?

Lye Liang Fook

Although China and the Philippines have resumed bilateral talks, they are far from addressing their differences over the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.

China China-Philippine Relations International Relations Philippine South China Sea

19 Jul 2024

Nguyen Phu Trong’s Incomplete Legacy in Vietnam

Le Hong Hiep|Nguyen Khac Giang

The steadfast leadership of Vietnam’s General Secretary has ironically created a potential leadership vacuum, as succession planning has not been one of his strong suits, unlike anti-corruption and other stellar achievements.

Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

18 Jul 2024

Singapore as a “Nation of Lions Led by Lions”

Irene Ng

William Choong, Fulcrum's Managing Editor and ISEAS Senior Fellow, discusses the second volume of S. Rajaratnam's authorised biography, the Lion's Roar, with author and ISEAS writer-in-residence Irene Ng.

Dialogues at Fulcrum International Relations Singapore Southeast Asia

18 Jul 2024

Malay Youth’s Evolving Yet Steadfast Support for Malay Royalty

Syaza Shukri

Amid political change and occasional controversy, Malay youth continue to hold the rulers and the royal institution in high regard. It is imperative to understand the reasons.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics Youth

18 Jul 2024

Does ASEAN Still Matter to the Labour Government in the United Kingdom?

Joanne Lin

Ahead of the ASEAN-UK Ministerial Meeting this month, Joanne Lin looks at how the new Labour Government will prioritise ASEAN and the region in its foreign policy.

ASEAN ASEANFocus United Kingdom

17 Jul 2024

Malaysia’s Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill 2024: Sectarian or Crucial Step Forward?

Mohd Faizal Musa

An important bill that will affect the selection of future religious advisers for Malaysia’s Federal Territories awaits passage into law. Will the government be able to push it through despite its critics?

Islam Malaysia Malaysian Politics Religion