Southeast Asia
ASEAN, the Mekong, the South China Sea and the maritime archipelagos. Ten very different countries, one region.
Myanmar's Junta Leader Dons Civilian Garb, but War Map Tells a Different Story
Myanmar's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has shed his uniform and declared himself president, but the country remains deeply fractured. Anti-ju
Indonesia Must Tread Carefully in China's Bauxite Rush
Chinese firms are pouring billions into Indonesia's bauxite and aluminum sector, drawn by domestic limits at home. Jakarta risks repeating t
Indonesia's Multi-Alignment Strategy Balances US Military Ties With Russian Energy
Indonesia executed a rare diplomatic feat on April 13, 2026, signing a Major Defense Cooperation Partnership with the US while President Pra
Tolling the Malacca Strait: A Path to Price Out American Hegemony
Indonesia's finance minister proposed tolling the Strait of Malacca, sparking regional debate. The idea could transform a strategic vulnerab
Singapore's AI Neutrality Model Cracks Under US-China Pressure
China's move to force Meta to unwind its $2 billion acquisition of Singapore-based AI startup Manus shows that location no longer protects c
Thailand's Southern Insurgency Escalates as Anutin Government Takes Office
The Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu Patani (BRN) has launched a series of coordinated attacks in Thailand's southern provinces, including a
Iran Conflict Accelerates Southeast Asia's Strategic Recalibration Away from US
Southeast Asian countries are accelerating efforts to reduce defense dependence on the US as the Iran conflict erodes trust in Washington. A
Why Japan Should Fund Indonesia's Coal Phaseout with a Just Transition Fund
Indonesia's coal phaseout risks economic disruption in regions like West Java and East Kalimantan. A bilateral just transition fund with Jap
ICC Confirms All Charges Against Duterte for Drug War Killings
The ICC pre-trial chamber found substantial grounds that Duterte is criminally responsible for 49 killings as part of a systematic attack. T
Min Aung Hlaing's Pardon of Win Myint: A Beijing-Scripted Performance
Myanmar's junta released former president Win Myint on April 17, but the amnesty is a calculated performance. The move, backed by China, aim
Indonesia's Foreign Policy Drift Raises Sovereignty Concerns Amid US-China Tensions
Indonesia's foreign ministry warns a proposed US military overflight deal could entangle Jakarta in South China Sea conflicts. This follows
Southeast Asia's Scam Compounds Persist Despite High-Profile Shutdown Claims
Industrial-scale scam compounds in Cambodia and Myanmar continue operations, exploiting trafficked workers for online fraud. Recent governme