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Allegra Mendelson is a former reporter with the Southeast Asia Globe. Originally from Canada, she has previously worked in Malaysia and Myanmar and is interested in stories related to governance, religion, and international law.
In 1975, Indonesian forces invaded Timor-Leste in an occupation that lasted nearly 25 years. During that time, future president and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate José Ramos-Horta navigated Cold War dynamics as he travelled the world lobbying for international support
By Allegra Mendelson - Jul 23, 2021
Also: A new episode of our Anakut podcast, a look behind the curtain of police brutality in Malaysia, and Indonesian president Jokowi’s complicated legacy in Papua
By Allegra Mendelson - Jul 21, 2021
After a quarter century of Indonesian occupation, East Timor was on the brink of self-rule in 1999. Amidst a brutal conflict, sisters Sophie and Lyndal Barry were among a band of journalists documenting the country's long and bloody road to independence
By Allegra Mendelson - Jul 15, 2021
Social media has been integral to the resistance movement in Myanmar, with Twitter growing since the coup with perceptions of it as more secure, immediate and far-reaching. But its momentum has dipped in recent months, with some seeing limitations in the platform
By Allegra Mendelson - Jun 23, 2021
Following Myanmar’s coup, the junta’s surveillance abilities have been touted based on Chinese and Russian tech imports. But experts say despite this equipment, a lack of capacity and infrastructure in the outdated institution keeps low-tech methods at the forefront
By Kiana Duncan and Allegra Mendelson - Jun 07, 2021
As soldiers defect, and rumours swirl of disgruntlement among generals past and present over the economic and political fallout of the coup, chinks seem to be appearing in the Myanmar military’s armour. But is it enough to topple this seemingly immovable institution?
By Allegra Mendelson and Kyaw Hsan Hlaing - May 28, 2021
With continued talk of a federal army within Myanmar’s anti-coup opposition, ethnic armed organisations in Shan state, among the country's most powerful and potentially vital to a successful resistance force, are held back by mistrust of the unity government and one another
By Allegra Mendelson - May 19, 2021
The Cambodian conflict of the 1970s was predominantly told through the male lens. But Elizabeth Becker, as one of the few women journalists reporting on the frontline, endeavoured to cast a light on the female experience of war
By Allegra Mendelson - May 05, 2021
The ousting of the National League for Democracy in the February 1 coup triggered a major shift in power dynamics between Myanmar's ethnic groups. Now, with talk of a federal army and government growing, minority groups are pushing the Bamar majority for real change
By Allegra Mendelson and Alastair McCready - Apr 23, 2021
By now, it's widely known that a crew from CNN was granted entry into Myanmar last week at the invitation of the military. But what many might not know is that I – not a CNN journalist, but a reporter with the Globe – was also on the tour. Here's what happened
By Allegra Mendelson - Apr 09, 2021
Speaking to the Globe this week on a military-guided press tour, Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun hinted that Myanmar's state of emergency may be extended, while he made no guarantees over an election timeline nor Aung San Suu Kyi's eligibility to participate
By Allegra Mendelson - Apr 07, 2021
With the chasm between the Myanmar military and the opposing CRPH looking unbridgeable, the committee representing the toppled parliament is looking to ASEAN for support. But a bloc built on non-intervention, if they don't succeed, is open conflict next?
By Allegra Mendelson - Mar 23, 2021
Seeking recognition as Myanmar's legitimate government, the CRPH is calling for international involvement in pushing back against the military, while at home, in the absence of senior elected NLD officials, they have assumed the role of interim government
By Allegra Mendelson - Mar 12, 2021
Once the centre of child sex tourism in Cambodia, today Svay Pak is a drastically changed community due to efforts by authorities and NGOs in recent decades. But the industry, today eradicated from street corners, has adapted to the digital age
By Andrew Haffner and Allegra Mendelson - Mar 05, 2021
Amidst brutal military crackdowns, journalists across Myanmar are spotlighting events on the ground. Faced with violence and threats of arrest, many tread a fine line – at once offering a global audience updates, while also protecting themselves from military action
By Allegra Mendelson - Mar 04, 2021
As high numbers of Cambodian migrant workers repatriate due to Thailand's Covid-hit economy, many are grappling with brokers and fears of detention as they are redirected from well-known Poipet to an obscure, military-controlled crossing in rural Banteay Meanchey
By Allegra Mendelson - Feb 26, 2021
Few Rohingya are expecting life to improve with the ousting of Aung San Suu Kyi following Myanmar’s military coup. But with the tatmadaw now facing condemnation, rumours are circulating that they may try to win favour with the persecuted ethnic group
By Allegra Mendelson - Feb 12, 2021
As hundreds-of-thousands of protestors take to the streets across Myanmar's cities, the social media-centred Civil Disobedience Movement is drawing on protest tactics old and new as it rallies against last week's military coup
By Allegra Mendelson - Feb 08, 2021
As Myanmar grapples with the aftermath of the coup that unfolded in the early hours of February 1, observers are speculating as to the reasons behind the timing of the power grab, as well as the long-term impact that a military government could have on the country
By Kiana Duncan and Allegra Mendelson - Feb 02, 2021
As a military coup unfolded with the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi in the early hours of 1 February, panicked citizens feared food and cash shortages, while others pulled down National League for Democracy flags frightened of violent reprisals for their support of the ousted party
By Allegra Mendelson - Feb 01, 2021