Southeast Asia: Burdened by Consensus

Thailand’s military-aligned government will likely step up restrictions on dissent and intensify efforts to co-opt the protesters’ less controversial demands.

Duterte’s South China Sea policy is becoming less conciliatory toward China amid growing political pressure to shore up Manila’s maritime claims, as well as its U.S. security alliance.

Mahathir Mohamad's surprise move to call it quits has left Malaysia without a cohesive government at a time of mounting economic risks.

The coronavirus crisis in China and broader global trade headwinds pose economic risks that threaten to derail Thailand's post-junta political transition.

By restricting Malaysia's palm oil imports, India has made it clear that for smaller trade partners, getting access to its massive market means staying out of New Delhi's political controversies.

The challenges of potential political infighting at home and balancing between the great powers abroad could blemish Vietnam's outstanding economic progress in the year to come.

New Delhi's rejection of the deal's proposed terms won't keep China from pushing ahead with the massive Asian trade agreement, with or without India.

Southeast Asian countries stand to gain -- or lose -- the most from Beijing and Washington's escalating trade tensions. Some have benefited more than others, but all are at risk of taking an economic hit.