Southeast Asia

President Donald Trump announced trade deals with Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia this week. But the needle may not have moved much when it comes to swaying Southeast Asia from China's economic influence.

President Donald Trump’s strategy of using Southeast Asian nations as an economic “wall” against Chinese exports has attracted renewed attention after the apparent finalization of a U.S.-Vietnam trade deal on July 2.  

Are signs pointing to a coup in Thailand? 

The outcome a no-confidence vote planned in parliament this week in Thailand may represent a fundamental reconfiguration of its political order.

Myanmar has become, by some estimates, the current center for global organized crime following the 2021 coup and now meets the definition of a failed state. 

The Philippines’ Marcos-Duterte war is worsening. It will have destabilizing effects on the Southeast Asian nation.

Paul Chambers’ arrest and flight highlight Thailand’s tightening authoritarianism, even as youth-driven calls for reform continue to gain momentum.

Thai authorities arrested U.S. academic Paul Chambers, who faces a possible sentence of 15 years. 

President Donald Trump’s proposed “reciprocal” tariff plan places some of the highest tariff levels on East Asian countries—many of which depend on U.S. markets to grow their economies.

Singapore's ruling party faces domestic and economic headwinds ahead of upcoming elections.

The massive earthquake in Myanmar has exacerbated the country’s existing crises, and will likely worsen instability rather than lead to peace.

Welcome to “Women Around the World: This Week,” a series that highlights noteworthy news related to women and U.S. foreign policy. This week’s post covers March 8 to March 14.

Myanmar, already devastated by political turmoil and humanitarian crises, faces further catastrophic consequences from a massive earthquake, exacerbating its status as a failed state.

Authoritarian leaders in Europe and Asia are emboldened by the White House’s signals of disinterest in condemning their actions, leading to increased repression and human rights abuses.