COMMENTARIES

8 May 2024

Why Identity Polarisation Mattered Less in Indonesia’s 2024 Presidential Election

A'an Suryana

The absence of identity politics in Indonesia’s February presidential polls points to the recognition that this factor can be a double-edged sword, especially when wooing a younger electorate that is savvy on social media and seemingly less susceptible to manipulation.

7 May 2024

Pheu Thai’s Military Reforms: Keeping the Military Onside

Paul Chambers

Pheu Thai proposed reforms of the powerful Thai military are relatively modest, all the more to prevent the ignominy of suffering yet another coup.

Thai Military Thai Politics Thailand

7 May 2024

The State of Southeast Asia Survey

ASEAN and Myanmar: The Need for Sustained Engagement

Moe Thuzar|Sharon Seah

Three successive editions of the State of Southeast Survey share one commonality: the shared aspiration among respondents for sustained dialogue with all stakeholders in Myanmar.

ASEAN Myanmar Myanmar Military

6 May 2024

Something Old, Something New: The Philippines’ Transparency Initiative in the South China Sea

Edcel John A. Ibarra|Aries A. Arugay

The Marcos Jr administration's measured transparency approach to Chinese grey zone activities in the South China Sea carries with it risks and challenges. It is not sufficient to protect and promote Philippines interests in the SCS. It needs to develop and articulate a clear maritime strategy for the security sector and the civilian bureaucracy.

China-Philippine Relations Philippine South China Sea

6 May 2024

Unpacking Indonesia’s Fossil Fuel Subsidy Dilemma: Environmental Governance Post Election

Rahmat Riyadi

The next administration has its work cut out for it to ensure true sustainable development by resolutely committing to cutting fossil fuel subsidies for good.

Climate Change Indonesia Indonesian Politics

3 May 2024

Resolution of Electoral Dispute Marks Start of Horse-Trading in Indonesia

Made Supriatma

Indonesia’s Constitutional Court has dismissed a slew of lawsuits related to the country’s elections in February. The ensuing calm only masks the intense horse-trading that is occurring behind the scenes.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections Indonesian Politics Southeast Asia

3 May 2024

Cambodia’s Outreach to the West Does Not Change China’s Centrality

Lye Liang Fook

The view that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet is recharting foreign policy — by reaching out to Western countries and relying less on China — is overblown. China remains Cambodia’s closest friend due to its inside track to the Cambodian elite and its pervasive influence in Cambodia’s economy.

Cambodia Cambodia-China Relations China International Relations Southeast Asia

2 May 2024

The Enduring Relevance of Vietnam’s “Three Nos” Policy

Phan Xuan Dung

Ten years after the May 2014 oil rig crisis in Vietnam’s Exclusive Economic Zone, Hanoi continues to maintain its “Three Nos” policy. This, however, does not mean that the policy is set in stone.

China-Vietnam Relations U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

2 May 2024

Political Stakes of Pheu Thai’s 10,000 Baht Digital Wallet Initiative

Napon Jatusripitak

The Pheu Thai Party is seeking to push through its 10,000 baht digital wallet scheme. If it fails, there would be significant ramifications for the party. Yet, even if it succeeds, there is no guarantee that the party will regain its electoral dominance.

Thai Elections Thai Politics Thailand