ARTICLES

12 Apr 2022

Russia’s War Against Ukraine: Why Hard Power Matters

James Bosbotinis

Russia's invasion of Ukraine provides the context for Washington to strengthen its alliances and partnerships across the Asia-Pacific, including in Southeast Asia.

4 Mar 2022

Advancing U.S. Security Commitments to Southeast Asia Under Biden

Prashanth Parameswaran

Russia's recent invasion of Ukraine would accentuate concerns about Washington's security commitments to Southeast Asia. To gain further traction, Washington needs to invest in individual Southeast Asia countries and expand defence partnerships with allies and partners.

ASEAN-U.S. Relations Defence Maritime Security Security South China Sea

17 Feb 2022

The State of Southeast Asia Survey

Hope Deferred Makes Southeast Asia’s Heart Sick

Sharon Seah

The US has gained brownie points among Southeast Asians, who put great store in Washington championing free trade and upholding the rules-based order. But Washington has its work cut out for it in deepening economic linkages to Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific.

ASEAN-U.S. Relations Diplomacy International Trade Security State of Southeast Asia Survey

14 Feb 2022

Will America Greenlight the Sale of F-35s to Thailand?

Ian Storey

The chief of Thailand’s air force wants to buy eight American-built F-35 fighter jets. While the sale would be a shot in the arm for the US-Thailand alliance, Washington may be reluctant to approve the sale because of Thailand’s growing military ties with China.

Defence Security Thai Military Thailand U.S.-Thailand Relations

14 Feb 2022

30 Years of ASEAN-India Relations: Taking Stock

Nazia Hussain|Tan Ming Hui

As ASEAN and India commemorate the 30th anniversary of dialogue relations this year, the two parties have little to show in terms of functional collaboration. A reassessment of the relationship should focus on three areas: connectivity, trade and public health.

ASEAN-India Relations India Infrastructure International Trade Security

23 Dec 2021

Southeast Asian Militaries: The Need to Boost Strategic Autonomy

Evan A. Laksmana

In an era of great power competition, Southeast Asian countries can better defend their autonomy by examining their own strategic planning and operational requirements first. Only then can they better define their military engagement with Washington.

Defence Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Security U.S. Foreign Policy

17 Dec 2021

Mind the Gaps, Fill the Needs: A Strategic Outlook for the Philippine-US Alliance

Julio S. Amador III

The Philippines begrudgingly notes the disparity of treatment across US alliances in Asia as well as Washington’s shift to enhancing engagements with non-treaty partners. The Philippines must step up to play its part and articulate its key interests better.

Maritime Security Philippine Politics Philippine-U.S. Relations Security South China Sea

30 Aug 2021

Resetting the Security Sector in Malaysia

Liew Chin Tong

Given the pressing domestic and external challenges that Malaysia is facing, it is high time for a refreshed National Security Council that will be able to coordinate policy at the highest level.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics Security UMNO

28 Jul 2021

Why is Vietnam’s Military Modernisation Slowing?

Nguyen The Phuong

Security challenges presented by the South China Sea dispute led to Vietnam’s efforts to modernise its armed forces over the past two decades. However, after the fall of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in 2016, the procurement of major military assets has virtually ground to a halt.

Security South China Sea Vietnam Vietnamese Military

22 Dec 2020

The “Indo-Pacific” is Here to Stay

Daljit Singh

While the aspirational adjectives that prefix it may change, the Indo-Pacific will better reflect the strategic geography of the new era of great power contestation.

ASEAN Indo-Pacfic Security