South East Asia & Oceania
Trading Blocs and Political Shocks: A New Economic Era Unfolds
The “Liberation Day” tariffs imposed by the US mark a major shift toward protectionism, disrupting global trade and disproportionately impacting Southeast Asia and Oceania. As economic uncertainty grows, joint responses to preserve rules-based trade and regional stability are being explored.
A First for ASEAN: Indonesia Joins BRICS, Reshaping Regional Economics
Indonesia becomes the first ASEAN nation to join BRICS, strengthening its global economic ties while balancing its non-alignment policy. This move positions Indonesia for expanded trade, infrastructure growth, and deeper collaboration with emerging economies.
ASEAN Leaders Meet in Laos to Discuss Worsening Civil War in Myanmar
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit began on Wednesday Oct. 9 in Vientiane, Laos with a major focus placed on tackling a critical issue within the region: the worsening civil war in Myanmar.
Indonesia’s Central Bank Cuts Interest Rate by 0.25%
On Sept. 18, Indonesia’s Central Bank (Bank Indonesia) announced a decrease in their interest rate from 25 basis points (0.25%) to 6%, in a move that came as a surprise to most experts.
The Losing US Strategy in Southeast Asia and How to Fix It
Amidst the ongoing political tug of war between the US and China, Biden has to establish what ASEAN centrality means.
US-ASEAN Tops Agenda as ASEAN Leaders Prepare to Meet
President Joe Biden met with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders on Nov. 12, marking the 45th year of U.S.-ASEAN cooperation and raising issues of U.S. support in the region amidst increasing intervention from China.