A Study in Contrasts: Governance and Security in Southeast Asia

A Study in Contrasts: Governance and Security in Southeast Asia
A Buddhist monk and a woman walk past a line of Thai soldiers guarding the Victory Monument to prevent anti-coup demonstrations, Bangkok, Thailand, May 30, 2014 (AP photo by Wason Wanichakorn).

Southeast Asia confronts a diverse range of challenges, from the need for reform in Indonesia to the erosion of democracy in Thailand. Some countries in the region are battling insurgencies at home, while others attempt to counter China’s rising influence abroad. This report draws on articles covering the region over the past year.

Governance, Reform and Democracy

Ruling Party the Only Significant Loser in Indonesia’s Parliamentary Elections
By Andrew Thornley
Apr. 25, 2014

For Jokowi, Maintaining Indonesia’s Role Abroad Depends on Domestic Reform
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Aug. 4, 2014

Jokowi’s Test: Managing Indonesia’s Old Guard—and Civil Society’s Hopes
By Sue Gunawardena-Vaughn
Aug. 19, 2014

Corruption Concerns Delay Cabinet Picks for Indonesia’s New President
By Maria Savel
Oct. 23, 2014

Court Ruling Reinforces Thailand’s Coup Culture and Augurs More Turmoil
By Elliot Brennan
Mar. 27, 2014

Having Amassed Power, Thailand’s Junta Still Faces Legitimacy Gap
By John Brandon
Sept. 11, 2014

Thai Corruption Crackdown Helps Military Consolidate Power
Interview with Douglas Olthof
Dec. 22, 2014

Courting Disaster: Can Thailand’s Monarchy Survive Democracy?
By David Streckfuss
Apr. 22, 2014

Maintaining Parliamentary Boycott, Cambodia’s Opposition Pushes for Change
By Kheang Un
Feb. 5, 2014

Cambodia Power-Sharing Deal Could Usher In Wider Democratic Reform
By Kheang Un
Jul. 31, 2014

Myanmar Assumes ASEAN Chairmanship at Critical Time for Domestic Reforms
By Megan M. Roberts
Feb. 14, 2014

U.S. Policy on Myanmar Under Fire as Promise of Reform Dims
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Oct. 7, 2014

His Popularity Waning, Embattled Aquino Overreaches in the Philippines
By Richard Javad Heydarian
Sept. 4, 2014

Unstable Opposition Means Reform in Malaysia Unlikely
Interview with Clive Kessler
Aug. 19, 2014

Despite Orderly Transition, Questions Remain for East Timor
Interview with Gordon Peake
Feb. 20, 2015

Insurgencies and Extremism

Botched Raid, Missing Stakeholders Mar Philippines Peace Process
By Gene Carolan
Feb. 12, 2015

To End Southern Insurgency, Thailand Must Confront Hard Realities
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Dec. 8, 2014

Southeast Asia Struggles With Syrian Terror Nexus
By Sidney Jones
Jun. 4, 2014

With Low-Profile Engagement in Myanmar, U.S. Could Contribute to Kachin Peace
By Sudha Ramachandran
May 19, 2014

Myanmar Fighting Imperils Broader Peace Efforts With Ethnic Rebels
Interview with Jasmin Lorch
Mar. 2, 2015

Confronting China

Jokowi’s Big Maritime Plans for Indonesia Need International Support
By Brian Harding
Sept. 3, 2014

Domestic Concerns Drive Indonesia’s Naval Expansion
Interview with Brian Harding
Dec. 2, 2014

Vietnam’s Modernizing Navy Confronts China’s Sea Power
Interview with Abhijit Singh
Nov. 19, 2014

Oil Rig Crisis Threatens Booming China-Vietnam Ties
Interview with Carlyle Thayer
Jun. 3, 2014

Philippines, Vietnam Expand Ties to Counter China Threat
Interview with Carlyle Thayer
Feb. 13, 2015

Thai Junta Using China to Leverage the West
Interview with Joshua Kurlantzick
Jul. 8, 2014