Tag "Southeast Asia"
Transnational Transparency: Southeast Asian Think Tanks Collaborate for Belt and Road Accountability
The Belt and Road Initiative’s (BRI) development throughout Southeast Asia is expected to contribute significantly to the economic and infrastructural development of the region. However, a perceived lack of transparency in China’s initiative compounds existing fears around rising debt and sovereignty over projects. Several Southeast Asian and Pacific think tanks have collaborated on a BRI monitor, aiming at evaluating levels of transparency and holding projects accountable. If successful, this could minimise issues of governance and implementation associated with the BRI to the benefit of recipient countries. Whether this success extends to other social and political issues associated with the initiative is unclear.
Southeast Asia’s wave of internet regulation comes to Indonesia
Indonesia’s new internet regulation requires platforms to remove ‘prohibited’ content—defined as anything violating Indonesian law, disturbing public order, or inciting unrest—within twenty-four hours. The government insists the law is needed to combat disinformation and avoid the destabilizing effects of ‘fake news’. But critics worry it may be a ploy to silence online dissent. The law aligns Indonesia with Southeast Asia’s trend of increased internet regulation. How online platforms react will determine regional internet developments.
Southeast Asia’s Transboundary Haze: Obstacles to a Regional Solution
The so-called ‘ASEAN Way’ can be an obstacle to effectively addressing regional transboundary issues, and the transboundary haze problem is no exception.
Prospects for EU-ASEAN Security Ties
Ambiguity persists over how ASEAN-EU security relations in Indo-Pacific may evolve given the announcement of ‘strategic partnership’ between the two blocs.
India looks east, but is it ready to act?
India can still present itself as a credible counterweight to China, but not without embracing international norms of accountability.
Kaladan woes reflect frustrated Indian vision for Myanmar and Southeast Asia
India’s ambitions to establish a foothold in Myanmar and strengthen ties with Southeast Asia risk being jeopardised by the ongoing Kaladan project.
The Week Ahead
Mexico and Cambodia hold key local elections. The Paris Climate Accord heads for uncertainty. Kinder Morgan IPO tests energy markets. All in The Week Ahead.
2017 Preview: Southeast Asia is set to embrace more volatility
Southeast Asia in 2016 has been marked by busy political agendas, challenges by ethnic tensions, religious conflicts, and regional stability issues.
Donald Trump’s presidential victory signals an end to America’s engagement in Southeast Asia
Trump’s unexpected victory could change how America interacts with Southeast Asia on issues concerning security, human rights and trade.
The Week Ahead
Hillary Clinton nominated. Philippine State of the Nation. Peru government transitions. No Spanish government. Commerce releases data.
