Much ink has been spilled identifying the many problems with the sector, but much less so about possible ways forward. Stripped of the realities of human selfishness and incompetence, microfinance seems a perfect model. Include the poor in the financial sector, give them small loans to invest in their business or purchase property, and they’ll… Continue reading We Know Microfinance Harms Cambodia’s Poor. What Can Be Done About It?
The reactions to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine vary in East Asia, from a clear condemnation (Japan, Singapore, Taiwan) to calculated opposition (South Korea) and cautious criticism (ASEAN, Indonesia); from neutrality (Vietnam) to diplomatic support (Myanmar, North Korea). The differences are most clearly explained by Realpolitik considerations, the nature of the political systems and perceptions on… Continue reading East Asian Reactions to Russia’s War in Ukraine: Governmental and Civil Society Responses
Although the presidential vote in the Philippines seems to have not set off any alarm clocks in the West, the election of Bongbong Marcos has the potential to result in major implications for global politics. Indeed Southeast Asia is increasingly becoming a focus of the US-China strategic rivalry. And Mr Marcos is very likely to… Continue reading The Presidential Elections in the Philippines: China’s win in waiting?
Dr. Alfred Gerstl (CEIAS President) together with Dr. Ute Wallenböck co-edited a new book titled China’s Belt and Road Initiative: Strategic and Economic Impacts on Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Eastern Europe. The book was published in the prestigious Rethinking Asia and International Relations series, which is published by Routledge. This edited volume presents… Continue reading China’s Belt and Road Initiative: Strategic and Economic Impacts on Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Eastern Europe
Oslabenie bezpečnostných zložiek počas pandémie by mohlo teroristov ešte viac posilniť, čo z juhovýchodnej Ázie robí nové ohnisko terorizmu. Kým svetom otriasa pandémia koronavírusu, islamskí militanti v krajinách juhovýchodnej Ázie sa snažia využiť situáciu vo svoj prospech. Príkladom je nedávny útok na Filipínach, kde dve ženy zaútočili na vojakov a miestnu katedrálu v meste Jolo. Od pádu Islamského štátu… Continue reading Stane sa juhovýchodná Ázia novým centrom Islamského štátu?
