Myanmar’s New President: Does he Have What it Takes?

INTRODUCTION: When the former chief of the Myanmar junta, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, was selected as the country’s new president on April 3, a pro-military website in the capital Naypyitaw described it as a “return to civilian-led democracy.

Caught Between Two Hegemons, Southeast Asia Hedges

INTRODUCTION: In a recent, unapologetically transactional assessment by the United States of its global commitments, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) faces perhaps the most critical test since the 1970s of its relevance

China’s Retaliation Against Japan and the Implications for Southeast Asia

INTRODUCTION: Lye Liang Fook argues that Beijing’s retaliatory measures against Japan could increase pressure on ASEAN countries, making it important for ASEAN to continue emphasising restraint and peaceful dialogue.

Charting the Course of Vietnam-U.S. Defence Cooperation (1995-2025)

INTRODUCTION: Vietnam-U.S. defence cooperation is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable transformations in modern foreign relations

Iran War Holds Trade Implications for Southeast Asia

INTRODUCTION: The economic fallout of the war, coupled with Trump’s self-preservation instincts, could induce a partial climbdown on tariffs

The Neglected Security Aspect of Outer Space Capacity Building in Southeast Asia

INTRODUCTION: Seven out of eleven members of ASEAN possess at least one active satellite as of March 2026, demonstrating growing interest in outer space capabilities.

Protecting Critical Undersea Infrastructure: Accelerating the Momentum in ASEAN

INTRODUCTION: P26039   Authors: Jane Chan Git Yin/Lim Chye Khiang, Nicholas Published: 11 March 2026   The importance of submarine communication cables, energy cables and oil and gas pipelines is well known. These are now commonly referred to as critical undersea infrastructure (

Strengthening ASEAN-India Ties: Increasing Climate Cooperation in the Maritime Domain

INTRODUCTION: In 2027, ASEAN and India will mark 35 years of formal relations.

Is Russia Winning the US-Iran War?

INTRODUCTION: The current crisis promises tens of billions of dollars to Russia in additional revenue. Here's how.  

China-US-Japan: China’s changing calculus in East Asia

INTRODUCTION: On 24 February, China expanded its export controls to include 40 Japanese companies and institutions.