19 March, 2021

A censored thesis then a defamation lawsuit: academic freedom in Thailand

Thongchai Winichakul ธงชัย วินิจจะกูล and Tyrell Haberkorn

Dr Nattapoll's case is part of a broader pattern of SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) cases.

A Myanmar Life Ended

Ko Nyi Nyi Aung Htet knew what he risked. He persisted, for he believed that democracy and a bright future will not return to Myanmar if the Tatmadaw succeeds.

Women fight the dual evils of dictatorship and patriarchal norms in Myanmar

Women of different ages and social backgrounds have been at the heart of the Myanmar protests, giving the women's movement unprecedented visibility.

Public opinion and civil society: shaping Indonesia’s South China Sea Policy?

Public opinion should force the Indonesian government to consider and adjust its policies and responses to China in the South China Sea.

Smiling to fight: Waiting out the pandemic in Laos

An important and unanswered question is the extent to which traditions of subsistence farming may still keep families afloat.

At what cost: The impact of Indonesia’s Omnibus law on underwater cultural heritage

Why, after such a long hiatus, is underwater cultural heritage is once again being considered as an economic, not an archaeological or historical, resource?

INDONESIA AT NEW MANDALA

The triple work burden of Indonesia’s women unionists

The delicate balancing of labour across the home, workplace and union is no small burden. 

Behind the coup: what prompted the Tatmadaw’s grab for power?

Despite the seeming incredulity of the military and USDP’s claims of fraud, there is reason to take the Tatmadaw’s insistence on the legitimacy of its constitutional claims seriously.

Myanmar’s electoral management institutions: the challenges of monitoring

In 2020 the role of the Union Election Commission and election monitoring seems increasingly politicised.

Myanmar military increases coronavirus risk and threatens peace in ethnic minority communities

Military interventions are preventing essential medical aid and health workers from reaching people.

From ‘being Thai’ to ‘being human’: Thailand’s protests and redefining the nation

The People’s Party 2020 is redefining the nation by withdrawing the condition of "Thainess".

THAILAND AT NEW MANDALA

Southeast Asia during COVID-19

COVID-19 flights to nowhere: radical escape or radical reimagining of the everyday?

The illusion that the domestic space is only a site for social reproduction is over, but what will replace it?

MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE & BRUNEI

Will Singapore forget its low-paid migrant workers again?

In the aftermath of outrage as COVID-19 tore through migrant worker dormitories, is Singapore entering another bout of social amnesia?

Mental illness in Malaysia: the imperative to destigmatise

The Ministry of Health needs to make the strategic leap from awareness to research and intervention.

Student activism in Philippine Catholic Universities: A brief history

Students and universities have had an active role in social organization and social change throughout the history of the Philippines.

Duterte’s Tight Grip over Local Politicians: Can It Endure?

If Duterte has failed to deliver, why do so many local politicians remain beholden to him?

Surviving or thriving? COVID-19 and violent non-state actors in the Southern Philippines

Data analysis strongly suggests correlations between COVID-19 and the commission of political violence, but the causal mechanisms driving these trends are less clear.

The ECCC: history education for Cambodia’s young generation?

While survivors often become emotional when speaking about the past, they feel younger generations must learn from the past to prevent genocide in future.

Cambodia, Laos and their contribution to a new era in Southeast Asian security cooperation

With Cambodia and Laos loyal allies of China, Southeast Asia needs a new approach to security cooperation.

The desertion of Cambodia’s spirits

Spirits and forests are disappearing as a new, consumerist way of relating to the land literally gains ground.

OTHER COUNTRIES & TOPICS

Can Vietnam lead ASEAN?

Vietnam seems to be managing global crises such as the pandemic and recession better than many other Southeast Asian nations.

Civic space in Timor-Leste during COVID-19 Part 1: Governance and civil society

Civic space in Timor-Leste has been challenged and expanded by the pandemic

Civic space in Timor-Leste during COVID-19 Part 2: Access and equity

COVID-19 arguably provided opportunities to increase legitimacy and accountability.

Remembering HMAS Perth (I) for the future

For Indonesia and Australia, the salvage of Perth has put maritime heritage cooperation into the spotlight, prompting greater bilateral engagement.

PERSPECTIVES ON THE PAST

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