Audio recordings are now available from the Myanmar Update Conference held at the ANU in March 2013

Examining the allure of martial symbolism, anthropologist Nicholas Herriman argues for a more entangled view of the state in Southeast Asia.

The current issue of Kyoto Review of Southeast Asia deals with the sensitive, yet significant, topic of monarchies in the region

Nicholas Farrelly writes that national flags are often considered sacred and thus eternal. But they can change.

The Malaysian electoral authoritarian regime has hardened in its attitude and actions toward media freedom in various “waves” since reformasi.

Cod Satrusayang is right. There is a natural fit between Thai culture and royalty. Thai culture needs its king. So why only one?

Bangkok-based writer Cod Satrusayang makes an argument for retaining Southeast Asia's most famous monarchy.

One hopes that many of the important ideals expressed will be able to take shape under such a secular-Islamic or Islamic-secular state.

Since modern borders were first established in the Mekong region, opportunists like Naw Kham have used them to pursue their own economic and political agendas.

The upcoming election will force Sabahans to choose between the devil and the deep blue sea.

Putting a human face to the Malaysian Indians who are struggling for their democratic rights.

I hope we will see more women at the helm. It's long overdue, and a vital part of any development.

Barisan Nasional’s greatest strength would be its numbers of years as a coalition government, its ability to govern together with all parties.

History could have been different had the Moro recruits obeyed orders and pursued their goal of destabilising Sabah for eventual annexation by the Philippines.

Unless resilience to climate change is factored into political calculations, standards of living in Malaysia are likely to face increasing pressure in the medium- to long-term.

The most important issue that the new government must address is to make Malaysia more inclusive and dynamic.

In the wake of recent religious violence, Patrick Jory asks whether the problem in Burma is that people "mix but do not combine"

James Bean argues that the Thai government is making the right moves in pursuing a constructive dialogue on peace in the southern provinces.

While Malaysia has achieved admirable economic success under its dominant coalition government, this has come at the expense of human rights and the free press. Now, the opposition is offering greater transparency.

The most important issue that the new government must address depends on who forms government and by what margin.

Malaysia must go back to the dreams and aspiration of the Father of Malaysia.

Malaysia has been and will always be a multiracial country, and nothing will change that fact.

The most pertinent issues in Malaysia are the issues of corruption and inefficiency in the administrative system.

I’m afraid that BN won’t change much, and PR may change too much for the taste of BN followers and cronies.