Economics, Politics and Public Policy in East Asia and the Pacific
Author: Roderic Broadhurst, ANU
The immense demand for amphetamine-type stimulants (or ATS, such as crystal methamphetamine and ecstasy), opiates and new psychoactive substances among the increasingly wealthy urban residents of East Asia — and beyond — has revitalised organised crime in the region. Read more…
Author: Peter Cai, Lowy Institute
Nanjing Road is arguably one of the most famous shopping strips in Shanghai, the commercial capital of China. In the 1930s four great department stores — Sincere, Wing On, Sun Sun and Sun Company — dominated the streetscape. These towering buildings boasted elaborate window displays and were modelled after Anthony Hordern & Sons in Sydney. Read more…
Author: Kim Kee-seok, Kangwon National University
The Park Geun-hye scandal of 2016 brings both despair and hope for South Korean democracy. Read more…
Author: Editors, East Asia Forum
The advent of the Trump administration has left the world faced with the threat of disintegration of the economic and security order that has been the lynchpin of global prosperity and stability for more than three-quarters of a century. Read more…
Author: Suisheng Zhao, University of Denver
The ‘China model’ of economic growth has been essentially a story of a hyper-charged economy led by an authoritarian state. But now the model has become unsustainable, with China experiencing economic slowdown as well as rampant corruption, growing inequality and environmental destruction. Read more…
Author: Bec Strating, La Trobe University
A recent joint statement by the Timor-Leste and Australian governments announced that Timor-Leste has officially notified Australia of its wish to terminate the 2006 Treaty on Certain Maritime Arrangements in the Timor Sea (CMATS). Both states claim an interest in the lucrative Greater Sunrise gas field in the Timor Sea. The decision to terminate CMATS could have serious ramifications for Timor-Leste as its economy is among the world’s most oil dependent. Read more…
Author: Usha M. Rodrigues, Deakin University
One of the most widely read business newspapers in India turned broadsheet on 12 September 2016, defying the trend in developed countries to go digital only, creating more space for editorial and advertising content. This example shows the stark difference in market conditions for newspapers in India compared to the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. Read more…
Author: Todo Yasuyuki, Waseda University
US President-elect Donald Trump has announced his intention to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). A wave of protectionist policies is rising around the world, as evidenced by Britain’s decision to leave the European Union and Indonesia’s imposition of export restrictions on raw mining resources. Read more…
Author: Satrio Dwicahyo, RSIS
Increasing concern over foreign terrorist fighters returning to Southeast Asia has prompted Indonesia to enhance immigration cooperation with ASEAN member countries. But regional cooperation must be preceded by significant internal improvement, particularly in regards to the integrity and capability of the country’s immigration apparatus. Read more…
Author: Ngeow Chow Bing, University of Malaya
In the very first week of 2017, two People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels visited the port of Kota Kinabalu, headquarters to Malaysia’s Naval Region Command 2, which oversees the disputed South China Sea waters. Read more…
Author: Peter Layton, Griffith University
As President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration approached, tensions in the South China Sea have continued to evolve. In mid-December it became apparent that China is militarising its newly built islands in the Spratly group. Read more…
Author: Linh Tong, International Eurasia Press Fund
Vietnam’s population is ageing quickly. In 2017, more than 10 per cent of the population will be 60 and older, and in 15–20 years the elderly will account for one third of the total population. This raises concerns about healthcare, welfare and pensions for the elderly at a time when Vietnam is focusing on economic integration and requires a large labour force. Read more…
Author: Ja Ian Chong, NUS
The incoming Trump administration may promise a rewriting of the US-backed liberal world order in place since the end of World War II. Based on campaign promises and post-election statements, Trump promises either taking on a highly aggressive outward stance or turning the United States strategically inward as it reverses US participation in international affairs. Read more…
Author: Tristan Kenderdine, Dalian Maritime University
With the world’s attention still focused on the United Kingdom and the United States going dark on international trade, many have overlooked another crucial shift. Throughout 2016, China pulled back from financial liberalisation reforms. Read more…
Author: Sourabh Gupta, ICAS
Placing his palm on the same Bible that President Lincoln used at his inauguration, Donald J. Trump was sworn in amid pomp and protest as the 45th president of the United States on 20 January. On the same day 156 years ago, with the Civil War looming, Lincoln had counselled his countrymen to renew the common ties that bound them. Read more…
