What does the Cambodian Senate presidency mean to a ruler who is already all powerful? Every politician, especially one whose chokehold over a country lasted nearly four decades, needs some time off. Hun Sen, who handed over the prime ministership of Cambodia to his eldest son last summer, has had his feet up for the past seven… Continue reading Vacation is over for Cambodian strongman Hun Sen
Since late 2023, the Houthi attacks on Red Sea commercial shipping have led to growing concerns about the global spillover effects of the tense geopolitical situation in the Middle East. With around 15% of global trade passing through the Red Sea, the region is particularly important to global maritime interconnectivity. The decisions of major shipping… Continue reading Chinese Media Watch: The Red Sea Conflict in China’s State Media – Blaming the West for Everything as Top Priority
Three years after the failed military coup in Myanmar, there is genuine hope within the country for democratic resistance. By the end of 2023 and into the beginning of 2024, Myanmar reached a turning point, with significant successes achieved by the revolutionary movement, particularly on the battlefield. For the first time since the coup, there… Continue reading Myanmar’s Struggle for Freedom Three Years After the Military Coup
Washington ought to be doing more to attract the region’s best and brightest. It’s not something that any U.S. administration would make too much noise about for fear of inflaming its domestic audience, especially as it’s likely to be the biggest stick with which the Republicans will strike the Biden administration come November’s presidential elections.… Continue reading In Southeast Asia, the US Should Talk Loudly About Immigration
Making Hun Sen’s youngest son a deputy prime minister adds gravitas to the role at a time of thorny changes. It looks like Hun Many, the younger brother of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, wants more attention. Last August, his brother inherited the prime ministership from their father Hun Sen, who had been in the… Continue reading Cambodia’s Hun Many is no mere spare for his PM brother
