ASEAN

The current version of ASEAN is inadequate to implement a robust neutrality enforcement policy that follows a “strong neutrality” and “cohesive neutrality” principle.

Regional organisations can play a wide range of roles in the human rights governance of the region, because different motivations for adopting rights and commitments result in different regional institutional designs.

ASEAN has raised the bar for pushing dialogue in Myanmar: it will be a test for ASEAN's credibility to implement the consensus for real change in Myanmar.

ASEAN has precedent and success in interceding in struggles for diplomatic recognition at the United Nations during the Third Indochina War (1978-1991).

America’s overlapping strategic interests concerning the South China Sea necessitate diplomatic engagement with ASEAN.

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

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

After COVID-19, Australia will want to step up in the region...especially where the lessons and relevant technology can be generously shared.

Democracy 2.0 in ASEAN must consider the invisible threat of elite capture and build new tools to fight it.

Can the new climate change ministry navigate the complex politics of competing interests when tackling the threats of extreme weather? Or is an independent commission answerable to Parliament needed to hold the government to account?

Reform-minded Malaysians are fatigued after two missed opportunities since 2008, with today's centrifugal politics generating even more social tensions. Not even Dr Mahathir’s surprise (re)emergence can mend those fractures, as Malaysians dream of the First World but still struggle in the Third as inequality worsens.

As Malaysia rushes to its GE14 on 9 May, the new anti-fake news law is primed against the state's critics, emboldening speech vigilantism by outsourced censors linked to the ruling UMNO party.

With Malaysia's Parliament now dissolved in the official rush to GE14's polling day, Sabah and Sarawak are again crucial states determining the winning coalition.

A discussion on how Australia, ASEAN, and the world might support democracy and human rights in Cambodia.

Read the former Australian foreign minister's remarks made at the "Cambodia on the Brink" conference in Canberra.

ASEAN's human rights mechanisms reflect the body's prioritising the interests of national elites. Don't expect it to be of use in resolving the Rohingya crisis.

Democracy in the region finds itself in dark days. Can anything save it?

Programs to increase women’s market competitiveness aren't a substitute for collective action for gender equality.

Our editor, Liam Gammon, offers some advice on getting your comment published.

New Mandala founder Nicholas Farrelly announces Liam Gammon's new role

Progressive activists should think outside the box to challenge key Trump policies in indirect ways, Sally Tyler writes.

New Mandala founder Nicholas Farrelly offers a fond farewell

Australian's vision for ASEAN defending international rules-based order totally unrealistic.