COMMENTARIES

24 Jul 2024

Cool in the Crossfire? Thailand Amidst Major Power Competition

Sharon Seah|Tita Sanglee

Thailand stands out in the region for its unruffled response to rising great power rivalry. Why so?

24 Jul 2024

Southeast Asia and the Global South: Rhetoric and Reality

Hoang Thi Ha|Cha Hae Won

This article contextualises Southeast Asian countries within the Global South discourse, examining where they align with the characteristics generally associated with the Global South and where they diverge.

China China-Southeast Asia relations International Relations Southeast Asia

23 Jul 2024

Malaysian State Governments Can Do More, and Get More Taxes

Lee Hwok-Aun

Malaysia’s states are demanding more tax revenue from Putrajaya. The country should consider transferring both government roles and revenues from federal to state levels, starting with social welfare and consumption tax.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics

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.

Myanmar Myanmar Economy Myanmar Military

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