Showing 1 - 10 of 55
A view of global power with a gangster's eye
Oped, Jayati Ghosh, Published on 20/01/2026
» There is a method behind the apparent madness of US President Donald Trump's transactional, spheres-of-influence approach to geopolitics and the global economy. Nowhere has this logic been clearer than in his administration's illegal abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and its ongoing efforts to secure control of the country's oil reserves by installing a client regime.
Democracy in doubt
Postbag, Published on 23/12/2025
» Re: "BJT builds poll momentum as rivals falter", & "Pheu Thai calls on EC for fair election", (BP, Dec 21).
Going beyond multilateralism
Javier Solana & Angel Saz-Carranza, Published on 19/12/2025
» The world is on the cusp of a profound geopolitical restructuring, as escalating great-power rivalries erode the multilateral structures that have supported the global order since the mid-20th century.
Flawed Asean needs to regain footing
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 10/10/2025
» Nearly six decades after its founding, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) finds itself back where it began -- divided, uncertain, and vulnerable to the influence of major powers. Once hailed as a model for regional cooperation in the developing world, Asean now faces a crisis of purpose. Unless it can rediscover the unity and collective way forward that defined its early decades, Southeast Asia's flagship institution risks slipping into irrelevance.
Asean must strengthen cohesion
Oped, Anwar Ibrahim, Published on 17/09/2025
» Since its founding in 1967, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has cultivated a reputation for trust and dialogue that has made the region synonymous with peace, stability, and dynamism. The achievements of our ten member states -- soon to be eleven with Timor-Leste's expected admission later in 2025 -- are rooted in a culture of consensus, open communication, and solidarity. This tradition of cooperation has enabled Asean to manage tensions, prevent conflict, and nurture prosperity across one of the world's most diverse regions.
Vietnam steps up as a regional leader
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 19/08/2025
» Vietnam wisely chose South Korea to showcase a new strategic-economic partnership in the region, focusing on growing trade, investment, and diplomatic cooperation. As the first country to dispatch a top leader to meet newly elected President Lee Jae-myung, the Hanoi government sends a clear signal to both Northeast and Southeast Asia that South Korea and Vietnam are emerging together as a driving force of regional connectivity and economic growth.
Asean+3's role in a rapidly fragmenting world
News, Hoe Ee Khor & Jae Young Lee, Published on 20/06/2025
» The risks posed by the fragmentation of the multilateral trading system transcend mere inefficiencies. Without a coherent, rules-based framework, global value chains will become vulnerable, investment risks will rise, and smaller, trade-dependent economies will be left increasingly exposed to the arbitrariness of bigger nations.
Timor-Leste's membership divides Asean
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 13/05/2025
» Timor-Leste's long-awaited bid to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is in jeopardy. It has encountered unexpected headwinds -- this time from the Philippines. The sudden diplomatic friction stems from Dili's refusal to extradite Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr, a former Filipino congressman accused of terrorism and multiple murders, back to Manila.
What's happened to the Asian Century?
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 14/02/2025
» Until recently, the "Asian Century" seemed a compelling narrative but now it is not what it used to be. It was supposed to herald a shift in global economic power from the West to the East, driven by China's rapid rise, India's economic dynamism, and the broader development of Asia. But a quarter of the way into the 21st century, the promise of Asian dominance appears less certain. The enduring technological and economic might of the United States, coupled with its geopolitical backlash against China, has lowered expectations. While Asia remains formidable, the trajectory of global power is open and fluid, with potential dominance shifting not necessarily to any nation or region but perhaps to a non-state entity.
Asean communicates its 2045 vision
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 07/01/2025
» This year will be eventful for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). In addition to the Myanmar issue and intensifying geopolitics, the Asean Community Vision 2045 will be ready in May and will chart the course for its 770 million-strong population over the next two decades.