10 Dec 2021 The Kunming-Vientiane Railway: A Post-pandemic ‘Deus ex machina’ for the Lao Economy? Nick J. Freeman The Lao government has committed considerable sums of money and political capital to make the Kunming-Vientiane railway happen. It now needs to secure a return on that investment. China Economic Development Laos Laos Economy Technology
20 Apr 2021 Upstream Dams Threaten the Economy and the Security of the Mekong Region Murray Hiebert The future of the Mekong is under threat from upstream dams. For the river to remain healthy and survive, China and its Southeast Asian neighbours need to find ways to share the Mekong’s water, fish and silt. This will ensure that the Mekong does not become a flashpoint like what the South China Sea has become. Cambodia China Laos Mekong River Thailand Vietnam
8 Jan 2021 Seeing Through Smoke: Why the Debt-Trap Narrative Is a Distraction Muhammad Saad Siddiqui The Belt and Road Initiative is many things, but there is little evidence that it is a debt trap. Observers should dispense with this grand narrative and focus on how to engage with the nuances of Chinese lending. Belt and Road Initiative Cambodia China Laos
17 Dec 2020 Pushing Back Against China’s Digital Order Charles Dunst Digital rivalry in Southeast Asia goes well beyond the choice of 5G providers. Cambodia China Laos Social Media Technology
9 Apr 2020 Covid-19: In the Doldrums of Debt Malcolm Cook Thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, many Southeast Asian countries, several of which are already forecast to careen into recession this year, will see themselves in hock. Cambodia COVID-19 Indonesia Laos
7 Jan 2020 Vietnam’s Dilemma in Dealing with Laos’ Mekong Hydropower Dams Le Hong Hiep Caught between its growing energy needs and Laos' controversial plans for more hydropower dams along the Mekong River, Vietnam has taken stakes in the projects to influence their development and minimise their environmental impact. Energy Laos Mekong River Vietnam
