ASEAN has precedent and success in interceding in struggles for diplomatic recognition at the United Nations during the Third Indochina War (1978-1991).
Pivot to ASEAN: why Biden should pay attention to Southeast Asia
America’s overlapping strategic interests concerning the South China Sea necessitate diplomatic engagement with ASEAN.
Can Vietnam lead ASEAN?
Vietnam seems to be managing global crises such as the pandemic and recession better than many other Southeast Asian nations.
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.
ASEAN and Australia: a new rhythm
After COVID-19, Australia will want to step up in the region...especially where the lessons and relevant technology can be generously shared.
The ASEAN pincer: caught between elite capture and populists
Democracy 2.0 in ASEAN must consider the invisible threat of elite capture and build new tools to fight it.
Warming to climate change
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?
Lost in race between first world and third
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.
All the news that’s fit to fake
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.
The (re)making of Malaysia and its fabulous 1963 promise
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.
What should the region do about Cambodia’s crackdown?
A discussion on how Australia, ASEAN, and the world might support democracy and human rights in Cambodia.
Gareth Evans on confronting Hun Sen
Read the former Australian foreign minister's remarks made at the "Cambodia on the Brink" conference in Canberra.
ASEAN’s myths: creating continuity, rather than change
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.
Old dominance, new dominoes in Southeast Asia
Democracy in the region finds itself in dark days. Can anything save it?
ASEAN and women: empower movements, not just individuals
Programs to increase women’s market competitiveness aren't a substitute for collective action for gender equality.
An important message about New Mandala comments
Our editor, Liam Gammon, offers some advice on getting your comment published.
A fashionable entry to policy?
Progressive activists should think outside the box to challenge key Trump policies in indirect ways, Sally Tyler writes.
Out of order
Australian's vision for ASEAN defending international rules-based order totally unrealistic.