Posts From Alexander Macleod

Back to homepage
Natural resources and energy South and Central Asia

Indonesian and Malaysian palm oil at a crossroads

Europe’s war against palm oil and overall western pressure risks pushing Indonesia and Malaysia closer to less regulated markets.

Politics South and Central Asia

The Cambodia 2018 election: Issues and implications

With the general election less than one year away, Cambodia is set for a rocky twelve months, defined by intense politicking and political unrest.

Asia Pacific Natural resources and energy

Kayin state struggles expose Myanmar’s energy dilemma

Renewed interest in coal in Myanmar carries broad risks for the government. But while greener energy is desirable, renewables come with their own problems.

South and Central Asia

Resurgent violence in Rakhine state demands intelligent security response

A spate of recent incidents signals a deteriorating security situation in Rakhine state and is evidence of a more organised and transnational threat.

Asia Pacific Security

New Indonesian counter-terrorism measures deserve scrutiny

New counter-terrorism measures in Indonesia may lead to broader risks as the radical Islamist threat expands in the region.

Asia Pacific Security

From wannabes to warriors: the Maute group were underestimated

The Maute group have grown into a sophisticated transnational network of militants, posing a serious security threat for the Philippines and broader region.

Asia Pacific Economics

Is Thailand’s economy undergoing ‘juntification’?

Attempts to ‘juntify’ Thailand’s economy is proving difficult for a variety of reasons, and is distracting the junta from other economic opportunities..

Asia Pacific Politics

3 takeaways from Anies Baswedan’s election win in Jakarta

The key question in the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election was whether a Christian should govern a majority-Muslim electorate. What does this say about where Indonesia is headed?

Asia Pacific Security

A web of lies: The impossibility of progress in Korea

Bellicose rhetoric aside, President Trump’s policies towards North Korea will be characterized by words rather than action.

Asia Pacific Economics

Special Report: Malaysia’s healthcare sector provides a catalyst for growth

Despite other problems facing the country, Malaysia is managing to consolidate its position at the forefront of global healthcare. What are the implications for investment?