The rise of the Islamic “green wave” and persistent Bumiputera policies risk deepening Malaysia’s domestic divisions, as tensions grow between Islamization and the country’s multicultural, secular foundations. Key takeaways: Malaysia’s long-held balance between its Muslim identity and its diverse, multi-ethnic and multi-religious population is under threat from the rise of Islamic political parties. The 1MDB… Continue reading The green wave: Malaysia’s conservative political shift
An increasing number of scholars have studied the role of identity in shaping states’ foreign policy. In Europe, the existence of diverse national identities renders shared senses of European identity an important foundation for any foreign policy requiring supra-national coordination. Most studies support the view that strengthening senses of European identity promote ‘Europeanist’ foreign policy… Continue reading Identarian Atlanticism and foreign policy implications: a study of European public attitudes
Japan’s new Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, a former defense chief and critic of the late Shinzo Abe, is expected to shift Japan’s domestic and international policies towards a more moderate and diplomatic approach, particularly with China, while balancing regional security and strengthening ties with key partners like the US. Key takeaways Shigeru Ishiba’s election as… Continue reading Ishiba’s Japan: Navigating diplomacy and security in the post-Abe era
Regimes in Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos should note the uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina. The overthrow of Bangladesh’s Sheikh Hasina earlier this month wouldn’t have pleased Southeast Asia’s autocrats. Some have been more open than others about their concerns. “I don’t want to see this type of situation happening in Cambodia,” Prime Minister Hun Manet… Continue reading Downfall of Bangladesh’s leader is a lesson to Southeast Asian autocrats
In quashing one political threat, the country’s conservative establishment may have created an even bigger one. A few months ago, I wrote a column here in the Diplomat predicting that Thailand’s Constitutional Court would end up ordering the dissolution of the Move Forward Party, the largest party in the country’s parliament. After several delays, the court finally… Continue reading How dense are Thailand’s reactionaries?
