The rise in conflicts around the world and increasing uncertainty given the upheaval in the international arena poses a real humanitarian danger to the people of Myanmar. The global ripple effects of U.S. military operations in Iran have become impossible to ignore. Food shortages and energy price hikes are squeezing Southeast Asia’s manufacturing and agricultural economies. While the war’s economic fallout has rightfully attracted international attention, policymakers must e

The Myanmar-Russia relationship is growing, and deserves a deeper analysis on the incentives for both parties to pursue deeper ties. The growing ties between Myanmar and Russia should not be seen only from one side. It is not simply about Russia expanding its influence in Southeast Asia, and it is not only about Myanmar looking for protection. The more realistic argument is that both sides are using each other at a difficult political moment. Russia wants loyal partners, new

The junta-backed regime in Myanmar's recent trip to Thailand is a step towards addressing their international isolation, but such engagement carries with it plenty of issues as well. Min Aung Hlaing’s trip to Thailand should be seen less as a real diplomatic achievement than as a move aimed at regaining legitimacy by taking part in regional affairs. Since suffering from international isolation for so long, the leader of the Myanmar military-backed regime is attempting to show

Recent survey results show a shift in the perception of who provides the regional leadership in Southeast Asia and asks questions about the dynamics within ASEAN. In the latest ISEAS State of Southeast Asia Survey Report, Singapore is recognised as the leading contributor in addressing key regional challenges (31.3%), followed by Indonesia (22.2%) and Malaysia (21.3%). Together, these three countries account for the majority of the responses, while other Southeast Asian count

In the aftermath of the “Bloody May” of 1992 , several Thai military officers wore civilian clothing when appearing in public, wary of anti-military sentiment among the Thai middle class, who saw the military as a structural impediment to the country’s democratization. Three decades on, the Thai army now enjoys unprecedented support and near-untouchable status, riding a wave of nationalism fueled by border tensions with Cambodia. It is allowed to do almost anything in the nam

As Laos enters its second half-century, the basis of political legitimacy is quietly shifting—from revolutionary memory toward performance-based governance, particularly economic stability. In this respect, Laos offers a revealing case of the post-revolutionary dilemma confronting small authoritarian states: how to sustain political authority when legitimacy is increasingly tied to material performance. The celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Lao People's Democra

The recently-concluded ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur provided an interesting backdrop to study the actions of global players in this increasingly chaotic global order, especially those of the United States and China. What happened in Kuala Lumpur in 2025 was more than an ASEAN Summit. It was a test of two competing forms of power played out on the same stage but spoken in different political languages. The United States wielded influence through images and symbols, mastering v

In a world where regional conflicts have become politicized due to foreign influence as well as arena for great power strategic rivalry,...

Amid mounting pressure on the Pheu Thai-led government, Thaksin Shinawatra's recent remarks at the Nation Group’s 55th anniversary were...

Amidst ASEAN nations confronting the recent tariff announcements by the US, an escalation of a longstanding border dispute adds to yet...

On March 28, a quake struck Bangkok—but the true tremor threatening Thailand is political. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra now...

Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra and his youngest daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the current Prime Minister of Thailand, were...

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's visit to China was initially touted as a success as it culminated with a joint statement that...

For too long, it seems that the United States has had an issue with its messaging in Southeast Asia, being unable to assure ASEAN

Despite the chatter about ASEAN positioning itself as the centre of the Indo-Pacific, the regional organisation has seen internal...