Written by Drake Long
Rather than celebrating each time a country publicly cancels a Chinese project, the US, Australia, the EU, and other nations competing for influence at the expense of Beijing should keep in mind the wider picture — Manila and other capitals like it are shopping around for alternatives.
Read MoreWritten by Aniello Iannone, Laure Siegel, Gabriel Facal, Ida Fagervold, and Nicha Wachpanich
Even in countries with democratic systems, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, the religious-political context slows down the LGBTQ+ inclusion process.
Read MoreWritten by Dr Phyu Phyu Oo
Gender-responsive security sector reform shows promise in recognising the security threats to women and marginalised individuals, and working towards ending such violence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Read MoreWritten by Jay L Batongbacal
While China’s accomplishments as a new space power are truly impressive, its emerging record for safety and responsibility leaves very much to be desired.
Read MoreWritten by Sabrina Moles
Tensions in the South China Sea are creating a dangerous, competitive pattern in the relations among the countries involved. Sovereignty claims, together with the urgent demand for food, energy resources, and profits are all defining a set of priorities that are increasingly disregarding environmental damage.
Read MoreWritten by Bec Strating
The IPE constitutes a form of ‘normative seapower’ through efforts to exert influence and shape perceptions within the crowded maritime marketplace of norms, ideas, and narratives.
Read MoreWritten by Clare Richardson-Barlow
The Indo-Pacific region includes several of the world’s largest polluters as well as leaders in renewable energy use and innovative policy solutions to climate and environmental challenges. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) presents great potential for regional responses to the global climate change challenge.
Read MoreWritten by Huynh Tam Sang
The time is ripe for Indonesia and its counterparts to work closely and effectively. Leaders in Jakarta should forge a shared perception of unity among participants by highlighting the importance of working hand-in-hand as no country can navigate the South China Sea challenges alone.
Read MoreAlthough Indonesia, which accounts for half of ASEAN’s size and wealth, is the natural leader of the grouping when it does not actively lead, the group is further weakened.
Read MoreWritten by Susannah Patton
The President’s positive statement at least opens the door for US allies and partners to put forward their views on US regional economic engagement. The United States’ offer to host APEC in 2023 should give high-level impetus for the development of this economic framework.
Read MoreWritten by Olli Pekka Suorsa
Unlike the Royal Navy’s much larger destroyers, the OPVs can offer more opportunities for regional engagement, including participation in multinational training and exercises, capacity building activities, and showing flag. After all, ‘showing up’ is the ‘hot currency’ in Southeast Asia.
Read MoreWritten by Ong Kian Ming
ASEAN must also be willing to push the envelope when it comes to economic diplomacy in a manner that would strengthen the unity of the grouping and safeguard the interests of its members.
Read MoreWritten by Nivedita Kapoor
In the long term, Russia has the potential to become a regional energy supplier as well as provide connectivity via the Arctic Northern Sea Route (instead of via the Straits of Malacca), which could mitigate the contradictions in the SCS.
Read MoreWritten by Ja Ian Chong
ASEAN’s woes were already becoming apparent before the Myanmar crisis, with debates over whether to expel certain members, but the silence as the situation deteriorates really underscores how much rethinking may be necessary.
Read MoreWith Hunter Marston
For the foreseeable future, small powers in Southeast Asia will cling to their independent foreign policies and seek to diversify their foreign relations in an attempt to find a balance that allows them more options and to avoid choosing sides in the brewing superpower rivalry.
Read MoreWritten by James Rogers
For Japan, drawing Britain, a global power, into the region provides an additional layer of security above and beyond that provided by the United States. Although the UK may not be the superpower it once was, the Royal Navy still has assets that only the US Navy can match.
Read MoreIn March we invite articles that seek to explore issues relating to the South Pacific and its importance for the region in the months and years ahead. In addition to articles focused on specific issues such as recent developments in the Pacific Islands Forum, we also welcome features that examine issues such as climate change, trade, resources, governance, technology, sports diplomacy and great power competition.
Read MoreWritten by James Borton
Despite significant oceanographic advances and a continuous flow of ocean data, marine research has failed to ameliorate the competing South China Sea claims nor navigate the sustainable stewardship of ocean resources.
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