The intensified rivalry between the United States and China has put small states like the Philippines in a precarious position, given its relative importance in the regional geo-strategy of both big powers. Since foreign and security policymaking tend to be formulated in a top-down manner, existing analyses have not paid sufficient attention to ......
Since Myanmar's 2021 military coup, the reach and influence of non-state authorities have spread considerably, providing them with greater scope to govern economic activity in parts of Myanmar. Taxation is among non-state authorities' most widespread aspects of economic governance. Numerous groups rely on checkpoints and road tolls, with other ......
The study of China's culture in Southeast Asia is particularly significant as some observers misconceive Chinese culture in Southeast Asia as purely "Chinese", as if it had not been influenced by local conditions, including nationalism. In reality, Chinese culture in Southeast Asia is imbued with distinct differences that set itself apart from ......
In this deeply personal and historically significant memoir, Pridi Banomyong, former regent and prime minister of Siam (Thailand), takes readers on a journey through one of the most turbulent periods in modern Southeast Asian history. Forced into exile in the People's Republic of China, Pridi reflects on his life's work as a democratic leader, his ......
How Shifting Urban-Rural Dynamics Shaped Thailand's 2023 General Election
Thailand's 2023 general election reveals a political landscape undergoing significant transformation, where the traditional Bangkok-versus-countryside political dichotomy has given way to more nuanced urban-rural electoral dynamics unfolding within individual provinces and constituencies.
For the first ten years of the history of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), one soldier dominated its build-up. Mobilized by Defence Minister Dr Goh Keng Swee after Singapore's expulsion from Malaysia on 9 August 1965, Kirpa Ram Vij, then a captain in the Singapore Volunteer Artillery, established the Singapore Armed Forces Training Institute ......
From Pioneering Gynaecologist to Singapore President
"My mum was told to abort the foetus after doctors told her the baby was stillborn. She refused to accept the opinions of three doctors consulted... (and) made the trip to Singapore where she consulted a doctor named Benjamin Sheares. He examined her, then reassured her with a smile: 'Madam, your baby is alive, and fine.' I would like to remember ......
A Memoir of My Time in the Singapore Armed Forces (1967-1982)
"A Matter of Duty needs to be required reading for all SAF officers and MINDEF professional staff. It is a lively, candid, engaging and, at times, surprising memoir that explains how the formative years were used to turn bits and pieces into a comprehensive and organised armed forces that are now a core institution of the country in an ......
The Covid-19 pandemic was unprecedented in its impact and repercussions which are still being felt today. The Southeast Asian region is no exception with the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives, economic contraction, and increased poverty. The impact varied across the region. Some countries were more effective than others at implementing ......
