Although the Visegrad Group (V4) as an intergovernmental platform of Central European countries has the potential for effective dialogue with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), given the current political divisions inside of the V4, fragmented diplomatic activities of Central European countries in Southeast Asia prevail for the time being. The EU and ASEAN… Continue reading Central European–Southeast Asian Cooperation: Promises and Pitfalls
While the Myanmar military retains control over major cities like Yangon, Mandalay, and Naypyidaw, its authority in Myanmar’s peripheral territories, especially in the north, is questionable at best. Years following the failed military coup, there emerges hope for the democratic resistance. By the conclusion of 2023 and the onset of 2024, Myanmar reached a turning… Continue reading Finding Hope in Chaos: Myanmar Entering its Fourth Year Post-Coup
Investigations into TIkTok and its parent company are underway as the EU steps up social media regulation. Amid mounting regulatory pressure, TikTok braces for a tumultuous year in Europe as the European Union launches investigations into the social media giant’s activities under the Digital Services Act. 2024 will be another challenging year for TikTok and… Continue reading TikTok vs. the EU: The Commission Barks, but Will It Also Bite?
The nations of the region are all experiencing shrinking workforces and rising life expectancy – in some cases at the same time. In October, The Economist ran an article with the headline, “Poor Asian countries face an aging crisis.” A regular reader of the region’s newspapers will probably get a sense of a looming demographic problem when… Continue reading What Do We Mean When We Talk About Southeast Asia’s Demographics ‘Crisis’?
Neither the will nor the material conditions are present for an effective anti-corruption campaign in Laos. Corruption is often seen as a byproduct, a quirk, of a political system. But in many authoritarian states, it is actually the modus operandi. Consider what binds a political structure together. How do you make sure that lowly officials in… Continue reading Why Laos’ Communists cannot do anti-corruption
