As China solidifies its position as ASEAN’s largest trading partner, what does this mean for the future of regional power dynamics? With China’s regional influence expanding amid intensifying rivalry with the United States, the future of Southeast Asia’s regional order has become a focal point of debate. Researchers Dr Selina Ho from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and Dr Terence Lee from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies examined how ASEAN elites perceive China’s role—uncovering critical insights into who shapes the rules, and who holds real authority in the region.

In the brutal world of geopolitics, great powers are like crocodiles and small states need to be very careful even when they appear to smile.

As unpredictable as United States President Donald Trump may sometimes be, the decision to strike Venezuela and seize its leader Nicolas Maduro on Saturday (Jan 3) was not taken on a whim.

Border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia flare with rhythmic predictability. Every few years, a clash, standoff, or troop movement reignites nationalist sentiment and triggers hurried diplomacy. Quick fixes follow—some bilateral, some externally encouraged—but calm rarely endures. The pattern is clear: the conflict recurs because the system governing it remains unchanged.