Media
Two Journalists are Free. But Democracy in Myanmar is Deteriorating
BY HUNTER MARSTON On Tuesday, two Pulitzer Prize-winning Reuters journalists, Wa Lone, 33, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 29, finally emerged from prison after 511 days behind bars. The announcement by Myanmar’s...
It’s Time for a New Philippine Strategy Toward China
BY MARK MANANTAN, alum In his most provocative statement yet, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte urged China to stay away from a Philippine-controlled island in the South China Sea: “I am asking...
The Hate Speech Threat to the 2020 Election
BY HUNTER MARSTON Myanmar’s 2020 general election is still more than eighteen months away, but key stakeholders are beginning to position themselves for it. As well as the election race, which...
ASEAN Regional Forum: less might be more
BY ANTHONY MILNER & RON HUISKEN The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) – with its unwieldy number of member states (27) and preoccupation with dialogue (a “talk shop”) – has been declared a failure time...
Australia's ambitious diplomacy program: Prospects, opportunities for Philippines
BY MARK MANANTAN, alum Last week, Australia’s Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Maris Payne unveiled the flagship public diplomacy program of Australia for 2019 called Australia Now ASEAN. With the...
What the Huawei espionage controversy means to the Philippines
BY MARK MANANTAN, alumnus. From the contested South China Sea to the bustling streets of Makati and Bonifacio Global City, Chinese influence in the Philippines has now become very evident. Not only...
Thailand should lead ASEAN with a migrant worker agenda
BY RUJI AUETHAVORNPIPAT Thailand will assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2019 after the ASEAN Summit in Singapore this month. This is in keeping with Thailand’s hopes to regain its place of regional...
Indonesian democracy: from stagnation to regression?
BY EVE WARBURTON AND EDWARD ASPINALL For much of the past decade, observers have praised Indonesian democracy. Elections have been competitive, the country boasts a vibrant civil society, and the...
Government sincerity on migrant rights faces fishing pact test
BY RUJI AUETHAVORNIPIPAT It has been one year since Thailand’s last debacle on migrant worker policy. Yet, Thailand finds itself once again at the crossroads where domestic constituents are...
Myanmar Faces Crossroads as Military Tightens Hold on Civilian Government
BY HUNTER MARSTON A spokesperson from Myanmar’s presidential office rejected a UN fact-finding report issued on Monday, which found evidence for the military’s involvement in genocide and...
