Power

Political reporting and analysis on the big questions facing the region.

Power • STORY OF THE DAY • Feb 19, 2019 • 4 min read

‘It’s his to lose’ Singapore’s budget binge sparks early election speculation

By Thomas Brent • Feb 19, 2019
Singapore’s annual budget announcement, which includes extra healthcare spending for the elderly and other handouts, has fed speculation that the government is gearing up for an election this year – and one name in particular being touted as the city-state’s next prime minister

Power • STORY OF THE DAY • Feb 14, 2019 • 4 min read

Politics Aung San Suu Kyi’s arrogance

By Thomas Brent • Feb 14, 2019
Protests in Kayah state over the construction of a statue of the late general Aung San – father of today’s civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi – represent growing divisions in Myanmar, which could have consequences for Suu Kyi’s party in the 2020 elections

Power • STORY OF THE DAY • Feb 12, 2019 • 15 min read

US / China Rivalry In a new world order, which stars will guide the way?

By Dirk Kurbjuweit • Feb 12, 2019
As the 21st century gathers momentum, one theme is becoming increasingly apparent; the power struggle between China and the US. But in the battle for world domination, who will prevail? Two books, one from Singapore and the other from the US, attempt to answer this ever-more-urgent question

Power • STORY OF THE DAY • Feb 07, 2019 • 7 min read

Philippines Who’s who in the fight for Muslim autonomy

By Thomas Brent • Feb 07, 2019
The Philippines’ south has long been mired in conflict, but with so many different factions and splinter groups, it’s hard to know your BIFFs from your MILFs. Here’s our who’s who of the most important players in the conflict

Power • Feb 05, 2019 • 9 min read
Best of 2018

8 stories to watch in the Year of the Pig

From snouts in the trough to African Swine Fever, Southeast Asia Globe breaks down the stories worth watching in the Year of the Pig
By Editorial • Feb 05, 2019

Power • Feb 01, 2019 • 4 min read
Brexit fallout

Heavy impact far away

A report outlines the effects that the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union could have on Cambodia and other countries in Southeast Asia
By Robin Spiess, Thomas Brent • Feb 01, 2019

Power • Jan 25, 2019 • 10 min read
Singapore

The desperation of migrant workers

Southeast Asia Globe speaks with foreign workers and the aid organisations that help them get back on their feet after on-the-job injuries force them to battle with employers. A new law that takes effect in April could change the game
By Silvia Boccardi • Jan 25, 2019

Power • Jan 18, 2019 • 7 min read
EU Tariffs

Cambodia and Myanmar’s rice farmers under pressure

Cambodia and Myanmar will be forced to pay hefty tariffs to export rice to the European Union – and farmers fear that it will leave both nations’ rice industries in critical condition
By Robin Spiess • Jan 18, 2019

Power • Jan 15, 2019 • 11 min read
Analysis

Could Vietnam hold the secret to North Korea’s future?

With Vietnam set for the next Trump-Kim summit, figures on both sides of the table are touting Vietnam’s Doi Moi reforms as a model for North Korea’s own economic liberalisation. But with a nuclear arsenal, a more prosperous neighbour to the south and decades since the Cold War, Kim Jong-un may choose to walk a different path
By Paul Millar • Jan 15, 2019

Power • Jan 15, 2019 • 9 min read
Myanmar

Why Tatmadaw attempts to ‘crush’ the Arakan Army will backfire

The Arakan Army was formed just under ten years ago but has quickly grown into a fierce military force in Myanmar. Its latest attacks, which fell on the country’s Independence Day, prompted an unprecedented response from Aung San Suu Kyi’s government, whose office ordered the state army to “crush” the insurgency group. But what will a crackdown achieve and why has the government called for it?
By Thomas Brent • Jan 15, 2019

Power • Jan 14, 2019 • 15 min read
Universal basic income

The cost of living

Fuelled by rampant poverty and fears that rising automation will strip millions of low-skilled workers of their livelihoods, more and more countries are exploring the idea of a universal basic income that guarantees a livelihood for all their citizens
By Paul Millar • Jan 14, 2019

Power • Dec 25, 2018 • 15 min read
Whatever happened to

Vietnam’s forgotten veterans

On Christmas Day 40 years ago, 150,000 Vietnamese troops crossed the border into Cambodia to drive the murderous Khmer Rouge regime from power. Decades later, those men remain haunted by their memories
By Paul Millar • Dec 25, 2018