ARTICLES

10 Jun 2026

How Small States Can Survive Big Changes: Laos, Mekong and ASEAN in the Age of Might Makes Right

Anoulak Kittikhoun

“Might makes right” is back in form with major powers’ use of tariffs and military actions, leaving small states like Laos with fewer buffers and narrower margins for error than more capable middle powers. This Long Read explores options and imperatives for Laos as it navigates new geopolitical realities.

11 Dec 2025

A New Deal for the Mekong

Anoulak Kittikhoun

Anoulak Kittikhoun argues that by treating the Mekong as an interconnected system rather than a patchwork of national interests, ASEAN can help transform the river into a model of regional cooperation, sustainability, and shared prosperity.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Mekong River Regional Cooperation

22 May 2025

Vietnam’s Response to Controversial Mekong Projects in China, Laos, and Cambodia

Phan Xuan Dung

Vietnam is anxious about the geostrategic implications of upstream Mekong projects in China, Laos, and Cambodia. It faces the dilemma of protecting its vital interests in the Mekong while maintaining stable and cooperative relations with its three neighbours.

Cambodia China Laos Mekong River Vietnam

16 Dec 2024

Weaknesses in Mekong River Governance: The Case of the Funan Techo Canal

Pham Vu Thieu Quang

Cambodia’s Funan Techo Canal, which aims to connect Phnom Penh to the Gulf of Thailand, has sparked regional concerns, particularly from Vietnam, due to potential environmental impacts and geopolitical implications.

Cambodia Mekong River Vietnam

5 Jun 2024

Cambodia and Vietnam: When a Canal Should Not Divide

Nguyen Ba Son

Vietnam has, at times, sacrificed its national interests for the sake of good relationships with its neighbours. This still rings true today.

Cambodia Mekong River Vietnam

24 May 2024

The Funan Techo Canal: Treading New Waters, Stirring Old Ripples

Hoang Thi Ha

Cambodia’s Funan Techo Canal is an embodiment of the country’s renaissance and grievances of its past.

Cambodia Mekong River Vietnam

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

4 Oct 2022

Can Mekong Stingrays Tell the Chinese Dam Story Well?

Hoang Thi Ha

China is crafting “wonderful stories” about its upstream dams in the Mekong. But the overall thrust of the narrative glosses over the more controversial aspects of dam building.

China Environment Mekong River

4 Jan 2022

‘Adapting to Nature’: A Preliminary Assessment of Vietnam’s Mekong Water Diplomacy since 2017

Truong-Minh Vu|Tram Nguyen

Vietnam’s water diplomacy since November 2017 reflects the country’s concerns over the Mekong Delta Region’s sustainable development prospects. Treating Mekong issues as a national security matter, Vietnam has mobilised resources for the development of the region and promoted regional cooperation towards a sustainable Mekong River Basin.

Climate Change Environment Golden Triangle Mekong River Sustainable Development Vietnam