ARTICLES

An illegal money changer exchanges Myanmar kyat bank notes into US dollars

13 Jan 2021

The Curious Case of the Benjamin Franklins in Myanmar: A Deeper Understanding of the Meaning of Money?

Sean Turnell

The desire for clean and unmarked US dollar bills in Myanmar provides some food for thought as to the function of money.

Adm. Phil Davidson and Prime Minister of Thailand Prayut Chan-o-cha

14 Dec 2020

Policymakers' View

US Indo-Pacific Command: Standing with Allies and Partners Amid the Pandemic

Philip S. Davidson

In this special contribution to Fulcrum, Admiral Philip Davidson, commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, stresses that the US’ largest geographic combatant command will continue to work with allies and partners across the region, particularly those in Southeast Asia. He argues that there is a growing “strategic convergence” between the US and the region.

Indo-Pacfic Policymakers’ View Southeast Asia U.S.

USS Montgomery arrives at Changi Naval Base, Singapore

8 Dec 2020

America’s Proposed Reactivation of the 1st Fleet Raises Eyebrows and Questions

Ian Storey

A reactivated First Fleet would boost the US naval presence in Asia, and demands on America’s allies and security partners in Asia.

Indo-Pacfic U.S. U.S. Pacific Fleet

South Korean protestors hold up "Yankee go home" placards

2 Dec 2020

Yankee Come Back – But We Will Cope, With or Without You

William Choong

America is in a weaker position in Southeast Asia now than four years ago and regional states are adjusting to this reality.

ASEAN China-U.S. Relations Southeast Asia U.S.

Joe Biden (R) and South Korean President Moon Jae-in

26 Nov 2020

South Korea and America’s Indo-Pacific Strategy: Yes, But Not Quite

Jiye Kim|Thomas Wilkins

Like many ASEAN member states, South Korea has sought to avoid “choosing sides” between China and the United States. It has adopted an uneasy equidistance between the two great powers and their respective Indo-Pacific Strategy and Belt and Road Initiative power plays.

China Indo-Pacfic South Korea U.S.

25 Nov 2020

Mind the Gap: Biden’s Opportunity to Reengage Southeast Asia

Zack Cooper

The Biden administration will need to get both its words and actions right to rebuild trust in the USA in Southeast Asia.

ASEAN Southeast Asia U.S. U.S. Foreign Policy

24 Nov 2020

Biden and Southeast Asia: When Foreign Policy Begins at Home

Joseph Chinyong Liow

President-elect Biden will restore a more traditional style of diplomacy to the United States, but domestic considerations will weigh heavily on American foreign policy – and Washington’s approach to Southeast Asia.

Southeast Asia U.S. U.S. Foreign Policy

23 Oct 2020

Why Was Prabowo Invited to the US?

Leo Suryadinata

The Indonesian defence minister’s visit to Washington DC raised many eyebrows and questions.

China-Indonesia Relations Defence Indonesia U.S.

13 Oct 2020

Biden or Trump? Southeast Asia’s Stakes in the US Election

Daljit Singh

A check list of the differences Southeast Asia can expect if Joe Biden wins the US presidential election or Donald Trump is returned to the White House.

Southeast Asia U.S.

9 Oct 2020

Revenge of the Asia-Pacific?

Malcolm Cook

The much-ballyhooed “Indo-Pacific” term has gained much traction in the region in recent years. The new Democratic Party platform, however, pointedly excludes the use of the term, and touts the older “Asia-Pacific” instead. Is this Biden’s attempt at getting at Trump?

Indo-Pacfic U.S.