ARTICLES

21 Jun 2024

New Zealand’s Tilt Towards Southeast Asia: More than Rhetoric?

David Capie

The new New Zealand government has grand plans to step up engagement with Southeast Asia. The question is whether the rhetoric will be matched by actual investments.

19 Jun 2024

Putin’s Visit to Vietnam: When the Past Weighs on the Present

Hoang Thi Ha

Vietnam’s gains from hosting Russia’s president will likely pale in comparison to the expected benefits of courting other powers. However, sentiment can play a role in international relations – what’s a visit between old friends?

International Relations Vietnam Vietnam-Russia relations

14 Jun 2024

Brunei’s Strategic Role in Enhancing China-BIMP-EAGA Cooperation

Chang-Yau Hoon|Hafiizh Hashim

Brunei has the potential to drive economic growth in the eastern periphery of ASEAN. Thus far, however, the actualised gains from BIMP-EAGA have lagged behind its potential.

Brunei International Relations International Trade Southeast Asia

4 Jun 2024

How Cambodia’s Relationship with the US Can Stop Being “One-Sided Love”

Chhay Lim|Melinda Martinus

Instead of punishing Cambodia for its domestic record and closeness to China, the US has a chance to work with Phnom Penh’s new leaders as they seek to diversify their economy and foreign policy.

Cambodia Cambodia-China Relations International Relations U.S.

20 May 2024

The State of Southeast Asia Survey

Why the Russia-Ukraine War Continues to Fret Southeast Asia

Ian Storey

Despite the Russia-Ukraine war’s geographical distance from Southeast Asia, the conflict continues to be a major concern for the region’s elite, especially in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

ASEAN ASEAN-Russia Relations International Relations Russia State of Southeast Asia Survey

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

30 Apr 2024

Mineral Security Partnership and Southeast Asia: Forcing Countries to Choose?

Mirza Sadaqat Huda

The US-led Minerals Security Partnership is a two-edged sword for Southeast Asia.

ASEAN Asean Trade International Relations Southeast Asia

29 Apr 2024

Rightsizing Japan’s Economic Influence in Southeast Asia

Eugene R.L. Tan

Japan retains an edge in economic influence in Southeast Asia, but it cannot afford to rest on its laurels.

International Relations Japan Japan-Southeast Asia Relations Southeast Asia

23 Apr 2024

Vietnam’s Geopolitical Anxiety Over Cambodia’s Funan Techo Canal

Chansambath Bong

Vietnam’s concerns about a China-backed canal project in Cambodia are making some waves. Cambodia’s new leader has a chance to calm the waters.

Cambodia International Relations Mekong River Vietnam

19 Apr 2024

Japan and Southeast Asia Set to Co-Create an Interwoven Future

Hoang Thi Ha|Pham Thi Phuong Thao

Japan’s decades of cultivating relations with Southeast Asia have not only strengthened their diplomatic and economic ties but also deepened interpersonal and societal interactions, ultimately shifting postwar animosity towards Japan into a prevailing positive sentiment today.

International Relations Japan Japan-Southeast Asia Relations Southeast Asia