Tag: Domestic Politics • Elections • Political Parties

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

Opposition parties should take a page out of the ruling CPP’s book and begin a process of generational renewal. In April, Cambodia’s former Prime Minister Hun Sen will end his eight-month sabbatical. After resigning from his position as prime minister last year, after almost four decades in the job, to make way for his eldest… Continue reading Cambodia’s Opposition Needs to Take a Sabbatical

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