The past year has seen a dramatic shift in momentum in Myanmar’s internal conflict, fueling a narrative that the military junta could soon crumble. But the conflict is more likely headed toward stalemate. worldpoliticsreview.com/myanmar-civil-…

It appears that the #BARMM elections will be postponed again (pending Senate approval) over legal issues related to exclusion of #Sulu. The polls, first moved from 2022 to 2025, may be delayed to 2026. This opens more room for contestation of peace process.rappler.com/philippines/mi…

Our first issue of 2025 (Vol. 38, Issue 1) is out! 📘 Take a first look at the line-up here: bit.ly/PacificReview3…

In this World Politics Review update, I look at #Laos’ economic relationships with Thailand and Vietnam—and ask if cross-border infrastructure and railway projects with these two neighbours can reduce dependence on #China. worldpoliticsreview.com/laos-china-tha…

Laos will be heavily indebted to China for decades to come. In the long term, hedging its bets with neighbors Vietnam and Thailand presents the only path out of dependency, Michael Hart writes. worldpoliticsreview.com/laos-china-tha…

Final bill approved in Senate postponing first #BARMM parliamentary elections from May to October 2025, differs from version passed by the House which moved elections to May 2026. A bicameral committee will convene to reconcile bills and set election date. gmanetwork.com/news/topstorie…

"The current trend of incremental regime decline is coinciding with a rise in factionalism, ethno-national military autocracy and state failure." IISS News report by Morgan Michaels on conflict dynamics in Myanmar: myanmar.iiss.org/updates/2025-02

In World Politics Review, I argue that #Vietnam's work to establish a permanent presence on its features in the South China Sea has put it in the strongest position of the ASEAN claimant states to deter China and defend its own claims to sovereignty. worldpoliticsreview.com/vietnam-south-…

Our second issue of 2025 (Vol. 38, Issue 2) is out! 📘 Take a first look at the line-up here: bit.ly/PacificReview3…

Armed resistance groups have expelled regime forces from most of Chin State in western Myanmar. To prevent misunderstandings and flare-ups, they should put in place real-time de-escalation measures. crisisgroup.org/asia/south-eas…

“For the United States, forgone influence along a substantial length of the Mekong represents a geopolitical setback. Lost partnerships in Laos could damage its already waning reputation as a reliable partner.” The Diplomat by Talisker Scott Hunter: thediplomat.com/2025/03/in-lao…

“Anwar’s government has adopted an outward-looking stance in the past few months, especially on trade ties, to guard against the risks of Trump’s return.” My latest in World Politics Review, on #Malaysia’s preparations for tariffs: worldpoliticsreview.com/malaysia-tarif…

An update to the journal’s aims and scope ⤵️ The aims and scope has been updated by the Editors to provide greater clarity on geographical and topical coverage, methodological approaches, and our stance on submissions that have a domestic or historical focus.

In World Politics Review, I argue that regional diplomacy in the aftermath of the earthquake in #Myanmar, added to increased support for the post-coup regime from China and India over the past year, has handed the junta a route out of isolation. worldpoliticsreview.com/myanmar-earthq…

ICYMI : A short interview with the anchors of "The Big Story" on the recent elections in BARMM and the peace process. A tidbit also re: Manila's efforts to shift from internal to external security - part of a series by Crisis Group, coming soon. youtube.com/watch?v=9UBZwn…

A busy few weeks in Hanoi balanced with some time on the northeast coast. On the horizon, container ships leaving the port of Hai Phong.

New open access (🔓) article: Erika Yague and Helen Berents argue that understandings of #peace and security in Southeast Asia can be enhanced via a focus on the overlooked role of #youth and shifting relationships between youth and institutions. tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.10…