Scholars in Australia write to Foreign Minister Bob Carr calling for further action on missing Lao activist Sombath Somphone.

Sabah and Sarawak are too important to ignore now in Malaysian politics.

Matt Schissler reflects on recent violence in Myanmar and the changing nature of political discussions

Nicholas Farrelly strikes a cautiously optimistic note after news of a new truce in northern Myanmar

In this extract, Associate Professor Sarah Turner from McGill University in Canada introduces a new book about doing research in socialist Asia

One must never fail to notice the clear pattern of authoritarian rule that runs all the way back to the founding years of the nation.

Marcus Mietzner and Nicholas Farrelly have co-edited a journal special issue looking at military rule and democratisation

Tristan Knowles, the Director of Economists at Large, examines the financial and economic implications of the Vientiane to Yunnan rail link.

This month's Book Zone 2.0 delivers tasty morsels from the 41st Bangkok International Book Fair (held 29 March – 8 April 2013) fresh to NM readers.

Ryan Lane asks "must the poor learn to keep the right company before they are granted a seat at the table?"

The lack of concern on these numbers is indicative of how ingrained our belief that women’s issues are trivial.

The Malaysian people are finally to a certain extent constructing their own paradigm and finding their own voices.

Regime change in itself will not automatically bring the powerful state down, writes Kikue Hamayotsu

The more important question is to define what constitutes funding, and whether they are used to promote the welfare of Malaysians.

Aim Sinpeng discusses the implications of a recent re-mobilisation of Thailand's people's sector

Pavin Chachavalpongpun looks closely at a recent event to better understand Thailand's palace dynamics at this important time

The critical question remains whether Bersih’s concerted efforts will actually bring some, if any institutional reform to Malaysia’s electoral system and process.

Politicians everywhere would be wise to examine their own shortcomings in addressing the needs and aspirations of rural constituents

Younger Malays, in general, both in rural and urban areas, are no longer emotionally attached to UMNO.

Rural dynamics explain the government’s victory in the Malaysian election, argues Edward Aspinall

The dilemma for BN is abundantly clear with a risk of further alienating the already disgruntled moderate Malays and non-Malays.

BN’s greatest strength is their ability to sustain massive party machines and patronage networks in order to generate loyalty.

Barisan Nasional has managed to pocket 60 percent or 133 out of the total 222 seats by winning only 48 percent of the popular votes.

The results in Sabah showed the changing political ground even as the influence of the politics of development remained strong.