Geopolitics plays out on the Mekong with doubts on dams and promises of cooperation
The geopolitics of the Mekong river continue to evolve, with key announcements from China, Thailand and the Mekong River Commission.
Laos
Severe storms show how dams, displacement magnify climate impacts in Laos
Southeast Asia has been hammered by storms in recent weeks, with flooding displacing thousands and destroying homes. In Laos, residents already displaced for the construction of dams now say they face added dangers from severe weather.
ASEAN Summit: Leaders agree on concrete measures to overcome challenges
The 37th ASEAN Summit, which ended on November 15, saw member states adopt decisive and concrete measures to bolster internal and external cooperation and to overcome major challenges facing the regional bloc, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Could ASEAN expel Cambodia and Laos over their allegiance to China?
ASEAN remains a key player in Southeast Asia’s diplomatic architecture. However, a growing debate on the expulsion of member states may divide the grouping deeply.
The Lowy Institute 2020 Asia Power Index: Overstating the impact of COVID-19?
The Lowy Institute annual Asia Power Index offers comprehensive analysis but requires more scrutiny when it comes to gauging how countries stand diplomatically or militarily—or how prepared they are to tackle future challenges.
Understanding ASEAN’s commitment to a nuclear weapons-free region
ASEAN has pushed to keep Southeast Asia out of the nuclear weapons race. However, with growing military interference from international actors, Southeast Asian countries may reconsider the choice in order to ensure their security.
Will COVID-19 hamper ASEAN’s fight to eliminate malaria?
While malaria cases have risen elsewhere in the world, in the Asia-Pacific region, governments have set an example by reducing its spread. However, COVID-19 threatens to undo some of that work, particularly within ASEAN.
New Chinese power deal sees Laos risk its future for quick gains
A new deal gives China control of Laos’ power grid as the country faces looming debt from hydropower dams and other development projects. But the arrangement risks turning “the battery of Southeast Asia” into “the battery of China.”
How COVID-19 wreaked havoc on Southeast Asia’s stock markets
A new report details the extent to which the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the region’s stock markets and how quickly those markets have started to recover. It offers some insight into how the region’s markets might handle future shocks.
Time for India to revise its CLMV policy to boost engagement with ASEAN
While India has stepped up its engagements with ASEAN in the past few years, there remains a clear disparity between its links with different countries. It could address this by boosting its ties with Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.