Written by Hunter Marston
The root of Myanmar’s crisis is political: as long as the military holds power, the country will be at war, and the economy will underperform.
Read More
This month, Zsuzsa and Richard are joined by David MacSweeney to reflect on the year just past and assess the key political, economic, and strategic issues set to shape EU–ASEAN relations and the wider Indo-Pacific in 2026, including five priority areas to watch as regional and external actors navigate an increasingly complex strategic environment.
Subscribe now and never miss an episode.
Read More
This month, Zsuzsa and Richard are joined by Hunter Marston to reflect on the latest developments in EU–ASEAN relations: the latest ASEAN summit, Timor-Leste’s entry as a full member, and how the recent conclusion of the EU–Indonesia CEPA is helping transform the region.
Subscribe now and never miss an episode.
Read More
Written by Dr. Hunter Marston
With the Trump administration fixated on bilateral trade deals with individual countries, rather than the large multilateral trade deals that have shaped the region’s economic architecture in recent years, the US appears to be yesterday’s story, while Asia has moved on with the new rules of the road.
Read More
Written by Hunter Marston
Southeast Asian anxieties with the Trump administration’s turn toward protectionist trade policies were evident in the May 2025 ASEAN Summit, when the regional bloc expressed ‘deep concern’ with US tariffs.
Read More
Written by Dr Hunter Marston
Despite the opportunity presented by American retrenchment, China lacks the soft power to step in as a natural leader and its economic and political influence continue to be met with suspicion by regional elites.
Read More
As Trump's America redefines its global role, Southeast Asia faces uncertainty. Hunter Marston joins us to discuss developments in Washington and their potential impact on the region. We also explore whether Europe can help fill the strategic void—from security to economic ties. And, inspired by the vibrant Art Fair Philippines, Zsuzsa and Richard examine how culture can strengthen connections between Europe and Southeast Asia during this period of profound change.
Subscribe now and never miss an episode.
Read More
This month we examine Berlin’s economic and political challenges, a tough stance on China, and Southeast Asia’s reaction to the arrival of the Trump 2.0 presidency amid US policy uncertainty.
Read More
Written by Hunter Marston
While sanctions alone are unlikely to change the military’s behaviour, they are more likely to be effective when part of a broader diplomatic strategy, which is required to resolve the current crisis.
Read More
9DASHLINE’s Southeast Asia Associate Hunter Marston recently spoke with Dr Enze Han about his latest book, The Ripple Effect: China’s Complex Presence in Southeast Asia.
The book provides a nuanced perspective on China’s relationship with Southeast Asia, focusing not just on state-level interactions but also on the significant role of non-state actors, such as businesses and migrants, in shaping regional perceptions of China.
Read More
This month we welcome Hunter Marston for a fascinating discussion on the potential global implications of a second Donald Trump presidency. We explore how his return could shape relations across Europe and the Indo-Pacific, examining potential shifts in trade, alliances, and power politics.
Subscribe now and never miss an episode.
Read More
Written by Hunter Marston
Whatever the outcome of the US election in November, Southeast Asian states will continue hedging for as long as possible.
Read More
9DL recently had the pleasure of catching up with Hunter Marston, who has been our associate based in Canberra for the past two years. Hunter has played an important role in expanding 9DASHLINE’s network in Australia as well as contributing nuanced analysis on the emerging dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, especially in Southeast Asia.
Read More
Written by Hunter Marston
Identifying possible mediators and key stakeholders is critical at this particular juncture, and given the present circumstances we need not let perfect be the enemy of good.
Read More
Great power politics in the Indo-Pacific has put the future and centrality of ASEAN under some doubt. How can ASEAN negotiate greater space for itself amid the intensifying great power rivalry?
9DASHLINE asks a select group of experts whether ASEAN can withstand these internal and external pressures.
Read More
In 2023, policymakers worldwide invested an unprecedented amount of time and resources in developing strategies for their relations with China. This heightened focus was prompted by the significant influence of Beijing's domestic, foreign, and security policies on the economies and politics of other countries.
We present some of our most-read analyses on different countries’ evolving strategies towards China featured in the past year.
Read More
Written by Hunter Marston
Japan has emerged as a critical partner of choice for Southeast Asian countries, particularly in its efforts to build maritime and coast guard capacity for frontline states in the South China Sea, including the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
Read More
WEBINAR: In partnership with La Trobe Asia, consortium lead for the Blue Security program we invite you to the launch of the third paper in the Maritime Affairs Series.
Written by Hunter Marston, Bich Tran, Elina Noor and Richard Javad Heydarian, ‘Fair Winds and Following Seas: Maritime Security and Hedging in the South China Sea’ explores the maritime security strategies of Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Read More