The Trends in Southeast Asia series serves as in-depth analysis of contemporary geopolitical and socio-economic forces in the region. The series is written for policymakers, diplomats, scholars and students of the region with emphasis on empirical and observable trends, and less on theory-building or historical accounts of events.
The aim of Trends is to offer concrete accounts of the dynamism in the region as transnational processes impact local communities, national governments as well as bilateral and foreign relations. Subjects that are of interest to the series are national elections; economic patterns and growth; demographic changes and their social implications; migratory patterns; religious and ethnic trends; bilateral relations and geopolitics in the region in relation to the larger powers of Japan, China and the US. This series undergoes a peer-review process.
“Learn from Your Comrades: Understanding Authoritarian Diffusion between Vietnam and China” by Nguyen Khac Giang
This paper studies the challenges of the learning relationship between Vietnam and China and how Vietnam employs innovative tactics to fit its own circumstances.
“Prospects and Challenges in Promoting Humanitarian Islam: Nahdlatul Ulama’s International Social Partnerships” by Sara Loo and A’an Suryana
Nahdlatul Ulama faces several communications-related challenges in implementing the Humanitarian Islam concept. Ethnographic work and interviews with NU leaders, Gerakan Pemuda Ansor members, NU’s partners and the grassroots reveal these challenges.
“Mitigating Carbon Emissions and Haze in Southeast Asia’s Peatlands: Opportunities and Challenges in Integrating Policy and Governance” by Helena Varkkey, Matthew Ashfold, Gusti Z. Anshari, Alex M. Lechner, Sharon Seah, Nurisa Wijayanti, Fatima Tuzzahara Alkaf, and Siti Asdiah Masran
This paper provides an overview of Southeast Asian peatlands, assessing opportunities and challenges for greater integration of policy and governance in addressing haze, climate change and other sustainability dimensions. The article focuses on Indonesia and Malaysia, the Southeast Asian countries with the largest peatland areas.
“The Evolution of Economic Reforms across Myanmar’s Administrations” by Winston Set Aung
Myanmar’s economic trajectory has shifted across various governmental regimes, transitioning from socialist to democratic systems and from planned to market economy structures. Effective policy formulation and implementation are pivotal for Myanmar’s economic trajectory, and policymakers must navigate historical practices and global standards with discernment.
“Generational Divides in Understanding Thailand’s History Grow Amid Political Polarization” by Panarat Anamwathana
Amid political polarization, knowledge and understanding of Thailand’s history have also diverged radically. This divide is especially evident between younger and older generations.
“From Paper to Practice: Utilizing the ASEAN Guide on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance and Ethics” by Kristina Fong
The rapid development of AI technologies has been nothing less of awe-inspiring. Policymakers are put in a bind as debates over how the deployment of these AI systems is to be managed — with good governance and ethical considerations in mind, and without stifling innovation.
“Who’s Doing What? A Closer Look at Methane Climate Impact and Commitments in Southeast Asia’s Energy Sector” by Qiu Jiahui
This article draws from a database of asset-level emissions to identify key methane-emitting coal, oil and gas facilities in Southeast Asia while taking stock of the methane commitments of their owners.
“Understanding Vietnam’s Foreign Policy Choices Amid Sino-US Rivalry” by Hoang Thi Ha
Vietnam’s foreign policy towards China and the United States (US) involves a delicate process of reconciling and balancing competing perceptions, goals and interests within the country. This leads to foreign policy decisions that may respectively lean towards either China or the US, depending on specific circumstances and issues, while trying to maintain an overall equilibrium between the two powers.
“Party of Hardship: The Evolution of Malaysia’s Parti Keadilan Rakyat” by James Chai
The People’s Justice Party (PKR) may in many ways be synonymous with its larger-than-life leader, Anwar Ibrahim, who, although only president for six of the party’s twenty-five years, has always been its de facto leader and adviser. However, PKR is much more than only about Anwar, and this paper traces the evolution of the party independently of Anwar as a person.
“Delivering Development, Enforcing Shariah: PAS’s Dilemma in Terengganu“ by Azmil Tayeb
This article argues that the politics of development play a more central role in determining the durability of the PAS state government in Terengganu than it does in neighbouring Kelantan. In other words, PAS cannot simply carry out its Islamic agenda without being complemented by tangible economic progress if it aspires to govern beyond a single term; PAS’s loss in the 2004 election after being in power for one term is a prime example of this dynamic.