ARTICLES

1 Mar 2022

Is ASEAN a Toothless Tiger in the Face of Ukraine Crisis?

Joanne Lin|William Choong

ASEAN says that it is ‘deeply concerned’ about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but it has stopped short of condemning Moscow. The statement by the grouping reflects varied perspectives among member states. But it is important for smaller states in ASEAN to uphold the aegis of international law.

23 Feb 2022

The State of Southeast Asia Survey

Southeast Asians’ View of Quad and AUKUS: Some Thaw, But Not Yet Warm

William Choong

In recent years, the United States has sought to involve its middle-power friends and allies in various regional initiatives to counter a rising China. Southeast Asia continues to have mixed feelings about this.

ASEAN AUKUS Quad

18 Feb 2022

The CLMV Countries and RCEP: Will They Grasp the Opportunities?

Jayant Menon

Like all members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam will enjoy preferential access to the expansive region’s markets. As the least developed members, however, they will have to undergo the greatest changes in reforming their tariff and non-tariff policies to meet the requirements of this modern agreement.

ASEAN CLMV RCEP

16 Feb 2022

Myanmar Crisis: A Humanitarian Stalemate or Fresh Opportunities?

Adelina Kamal

The upcoming ASEAN Foreign Ministers retreat affords an opportunity to consider fresh approaches to break the current humanitarian stalemate in Myanmar.

ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Myanmar

16 Feb 2022

The State of Southeast Asia Survey

2022 State of Southeast Asia Survey: Diverse Perspectives and Hard Realities

Terence Chong

The US has gained ground against China in the contest for regional influence in Southeast Asia, according to the latest State of Southeast Asia Survey. ASEAN continues to be seen as ineffective in the eyes of respondents; at the same time, they are willing to give it credit when it is due.

ASEAN ASEAN-China Relations ASEAN-U.S. Relations Climate Change COVID-19 State of Southeast Asia Survey

31 Jan 2022

A Regional Digital Vaccine Certificate in ASEAN, Posthaste

Melinda Martinus

ASEAN needs to work on a common standard for the certification of vaccination statuses. This would facilitate safe and unrestrained movement as borders open up again.

ASEAN ASEAN Connectivity

27 Jan 2022

Tourism in ASEAN: The Need to Turn Dreams Into Reality

Joanne Lin

ASEAN has grand plans to boost its tourism sector, which has been afflicted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite its strenuous efforts, however, tourism in the region is unlikely to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2022.

ASEAN COVID-19 Tourism

17 Jan 2022

Thailand and the Crisis in Myanmar: Playing a Peacemaker Role

Vongthep Arthakaivalvatee

The crisis in Myanmar is a delicate one for Thailand, given the military junta’s proclivity to drawing parallels between the two ASEAN countries. To help manage the crisis, Bangkok can play the role of a peacemaker to engage all parties concerned in Myanmar.

ASEAN Diplomacy Myanmar Thailand

10 Jan 2022

Hun Sen’s Visit to Myanmar: A Cambodian View

Chheang Vannarith

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's visit to Myanmar has sparked controversy. The Cambodian view is that fostering a conducive environment for dialogue with the military junta would pave the way for the implementation of ASEAN's five-point consensus.

ASEAN ASEAN Unity Cambodia Diplomacy Myanmar Myanmar Politics

10 Jan 2022

Hun Sen’s Cowboy Diplomacy: Quick Draw or Firing Blanks?

Sharon Seah

By visiting Myanmar, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has demonstrated some derring-do in trying to resolve the crisis in the country. That said, it could be argued that the trip has not moved the needle much.

ASEAN ASEAN Unity Cambodia Diplomacy Myanmar Myanmar Politics