Understanding Southeast Asia

The implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015/2016 will have drastic impacts on the socio-economic development and democratization of the ten member countries. This dossier and the lecture series seek to explain current political developments, societal changes and economic trends in the region. Our next focus will be on gender politics.

"If you improve the situation of women, everyone will benefit"

Thida Khus is the Executive Director of SILAKA, a Cambodian NGO that has been working since 1997 to increase the participation of women in Cambodia. Thida will be speaking at the Heinrich Böll Foundation about the situation of women in Southeast Asia.

Refugees and Maritime Movement in Southeast Asia 2015

Refugees in Southeast Asia live in legal limbo and are subject to harassment, arrest, and detention. Especially Rohingya refugees are in indefinite detention and have been forgotten by the international media.

By Julia Mayerhofer and Lilianne Fan

Migration in Southeast Asia

Burmese migrant working on a Thai boat, Samut Sakhon, Thailand

Labour Migration in the ASEAN Region

Migrant workers in the Asean Region live and work under inhumane conditions. To improve this situation policies, the migration industry and the accountability of employers must all get a lot more attention.

By Ashley William Gois

Movement of People in the ASEAN Region: Nomenclature and Concepts

In times of increased ASEAN economic integration the official rhetoric around migration is one of free labour markets, opportunities and exchange. However, there are indications that ASEAN's migration management is in fact a "politics of return".

By Sverre Molland

ASEAN and the AEC

More articles and publications about Asia

Photo: In a valley near a forested hill, several round water basins with light blue liquid and white pipelines are visible.

Rare Earths: Why European Industries Are Dependent on Myanmar

Commentary

Almost two-thirds of the heavy rare earths dysprosium and terbium on the global market come from Myanmar. How should Germany and Europe deal with the mining of urgently needed rare earths in the civil war-torn country of Myanmar?

By Johanna Sydow

Rare earth mining in Hpyi Di Village near Mai Ja Yang town, Kachin State, Myanmar

Fractured Authority and Resource Politics in Myanmar: New Report on Rare Earth Mining

Study

The mining of rare earths is not just about international raw materials policy, as a new study from Myanmar shows. It is also about environmental justice, local governance and the future of the civil war-torn country.

By Shanan Foundation

USAID-Administratorin Samantha Power und der kambodschanische Premierminister Hun Manet sitzen auf goldenen Sesseln. Im Hintergrund sind vielen Flaggen.

Cambodia Seeks Balance Between China and USA Under Trump 2.0

Background

Cambodia must choose its course wisely between China and the USA. The second Trump administration will redefine its diplomatic relations with Cambodia - but destroyed a lot of trust right from the start.

By Dr. Heike Löschmann

Thailand: An uncommon common Museum

Artikel

Parts of Thailand's modern political history, about which nothing can be found in school textbooks, are being exhibited and preserved in an unconventional museum. All Thais should have their say there – not just important historical figures.

By Anon Chawalawan

India: When a sacred river turns rogue in the border

Article

Human intervention in the Ganga river is increasingly causing erosion, flooding, and landslides along the India-Bangladesh border. Local residents often lose their land, homes, and livelihoods, facing persecution and criminalization instead of support.

By Sourav Sarangi

Tapping into the Momentum

Policy Brief

As global power dynamics shift and competition in emerging technologies intensifies, the European Union (EU) and India are seeking strategic partnerships to reduce dependence on dominant actors and shape a more multipolar order. The Trade and Technology Council (TTC) offers a platform to align on key issues related to trade, digital policy, and green tech - but translating intent into impact remains a work in progress.

By Rajat Kathuria and Amaia Sánchez-Cacicedo

Addressing Afghanistan’s Climate Induced Exodus

E-Paper

In Southern Afghanistan, an urgent crisis is brewing. Water scarcity is driving large-scale displacement and migration, threatening to escalate into a global issue. Decades of drought have depleted traditional water sources, pushing communities to rely on unsustainable groundwater extraction.

By Hamzah

Afghanistan: Ruling by Decree