Myanmar’s Natural Resources: Blessing or Curse? Published: 11 December 2013 Myanmar’s progress since the 2010 general elections has been astounding, with political transition greatly encouraging citizens and international diplomatic and investment communities. The diplomatic climate for Myanmar has changed dramatically as a result and sanctions have been eased progressively. By David Allen and Rainer Einzenberger
The Ukraine War: Perspectives and Reactions in Asia Published: 19 May 2022 Introduction This article provides an overview of how Russia's war of aggression on Ukraine is being viewed and assessed in various regions and countries in Asia, and how the governments there are positioning themselves and reacting: in the Southeast Asian ASEAN countries, in Northeast Asia, and in India, China, and Myanmar. By Shalini Yog Shah and Jost Pachaly
India’s balancing act in the Ukraine war Published: 13 May 2022 Commentary New Delhi's indirect support to the Russian position is not a product of Russian pressure. Neither is it about its genuine belief about Russia’s legitimate interests in Ukraine. Rather, it is the result of a desire to safeguard its own interests, strategic vulnerability and 'non-alignment'- a cultural foreign policy ethos that prevails in Indian thinking. By Dr. Happymon Jacob
„There are two quite different stories about war and peace in Japan“ Published: 6 May 2022 Interview The invasion of Ukraine has shocked Japan. The country participates in the sanctions against Russia. Still, people in Japan look at the war in Europe against the backdrop of security threats in their Northeast Asian region, says Akira Kawasaki, a peace activist with the Japanese NGO Peace Boat. He sees opportunities for civil society action even under current war conditions. By Axel Harneit-Sievers
G20 Under Siege Published: 5 May 2022 Analysis This year, Indonesia holds the presidency of the G20. During the preparations for the upcoming summit in November 2022 in Bali, how does Indonesia navigate growing controversies amongst the G20 member states concerning the Russian aggression towards Ukraine? By Yulius P Hermawan
Higher education in Taliban’s Afghanistan Published: 6 April 2022 Interview The unexpected ban of secondary school education of girls on 23 March 2022 by the Taliban authority was condemned by the international community. Professor Michael Daxner, who has been actively involved in the higher education sector in Afghanistan for the last several years, gives an overview of challenges currently faced. By Sarah Weiß
Further and Further Away"- Environment and Identity in Cambodia Published: 6 April 2022 Interview The short film “Further and Further Away” is portraying a brother and sister who belong to the Bunong ethnic minority in Cambodia. We spoke with director Polen Ly and producer Daniel Mattes about the process of making the film, youth in Cambodia and the opportunities for independent film making in the country. By Elaine Haller
International Women’s Day: The diverse meanings of “work from home” for women in Asia Published: 7 March 2022 Increase in domestic violence, lay-offs, care responsibilities, restrictions on domestic and international movement, economic insecurities, psychological burdens - these are just a few of the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic in Asia in the last two years. The gendered nature of COVID-19 impacts is obvious and has sparked large feminist responses in the region.
What to Expect from ASEAN: 2022 Onwards Published: 19 January 2022 Opinion The year 2022 brings in not just one or two but a handful of hot button issues to deal with for ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Between economic recovery from the pandemic through to internal civil war within Myanmar and external disputes and alliances, Cambodia assumes Chair of ASEAN with plenty to consider. ASEAN’s culture and intergovernmental model value cooperation but a different kind of multilateralism may be changing the stakes and strategies in negotiation across the ten member states.
Feminist foreign policy in action: exiled Afghan women MPs in Greece Published: 27 January 2022 Commentary Afghan women political representatives want to establish a parliament in exile in Greece: reason enough for me to pay them a visit and show my support. By Hannah Neumann