Behind the veneer of development, events around the region hint at the increasing strain facing the social compact that has provided stability for the states in Southeast Asia Southeast Asia’s recent developments show a region that is growing, modernising, and attracting strong strategic attention. At the same time, they also show that the social foundations behind this stability are facing pressure. Youth anxiety, shrinking middle classes, housing shortages, technology compe

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

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

Addressing the region’s notorious scam hubs require proactive government efforts and strong international coordination . In January, a Chinese actor flew to Bangkok for an acting job offered online. He was kidnapped and taken to a scam compound in Myawaddy in Myanmar across the border from Thailand. Three days later, he was rescued , brought back to Thailand and returned safely to China. In July, a Korean college student went to Cambodia for a high-paying job offer. Three

On September 5, Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul seized the spotlight when parliament elected him prime minister with 311...

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

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

Vietnam's long relationship with Russia has seen much change since the end of the Cold War, and the recent actions of Russia has given...

With the balancing act facing the Philippines is growing ever more difficult given the increasing rivalry between the US and China, the...

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