CSIS Southeast Asia SIT-REP
The SIT-REP gives you links to all of CSIS Southeast Asia’s (@SoutheastAsiaDC) best updates and programs in a five minute read. This issue includes a guide to the political maelstrom taking place in Malaysia, a historic policy speech by Vietnam’s Communist Party general secretary, CSIS’s fifth annual South China Sea conference, and much more. Links will take you to the full publications, multimedia, or to registration for upcoming programs when available. To jump to a section, select one of the following:
- Commentaries on Myanmar
- Critical Questions on Malaysia
- CogitAsia articles covering the AIIB, the South China Sea, Thailand, andVietnam
- Recent Programs on Vietnam
- Upcoming Programs on the South China Sea
Commentaries
Deep insight into developments that move the dial
“Battle over Myanmar Constitution Caught Washington in its Crossfire,” by Phuong Nguyen (@PNguyen_DC)
Myanmar’s union parliament on June 25 voted to reject five of six major amendments to the 2008, military-drafted constitution, in a decision that has critical implications for Myanmar’s political landscape and puts U.S. policymakers in a delicate position. The existing constitution gives the military an outsize influence in the legislature… Read more >>
Critical Questions
Fast & efficient read on what you need to know about breaking developments
“Malaysia’s Power Struggle to Reshape Domestic Politics,” by Phuong Nguyen (@PNguyen_DC) and Rui Hao Puah
Prime Minister Najib Razak is facing serious challenges to his power. He faces criminal charges over allegations of his involvement in the mismanagement and corruption at state investment fund 1MDB and dissent from within his own party. But beneath this media-grabbing power struggle, Malaysian politics have been undergoing a process of fundamental changes…Read more >>
CogitAsia
The CSIS Asia blog features insights on policy around the Asia Pacific
“2015 South China Sea Developments: A Five Minute Guide,” by Emily Chen
The CSIS Freeman Chair in China Studies has prepared a timeline summarizing security developments in the South China Sea during the first half of 2015. The included chronology and infographic covers events through July 15, 2015 and provides a short assessment of present power projection capabilities among the relevant countries… Read more >>
“General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s Historic Speech at CSIS”
CSIS hosted general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong for a major speech on Wednesday, July 8. The theme for the general secretary’s speech was “U.S.-Vietnam Relations in a Changing World.” General Secretary Trong’s address represented the first policy speech by a Vietnamese general secretary in the United States… Read more >>
“Jockeying for Position Ahead of the 12th Party Congress,” by Zachary Abuza
The Vietnamese Communist Party is finalizing personnel decisions ahead of its 12th congress, scheduled for the first quarter of 2016. The once-every-five-year party congress helps assure both continuity and a regular turnover of the top leadership. More than half of the existing Politburo is expected to stay on. But there is a mandatory retirement age… Read more >>
“The Importance of U.S.-Thai Security Cooperation Pre-Coup, Post-Coup, & Beyond,” by Desmond Walton
The United States and Thailand enjoy deep and mutually beneficial security cooperation that has endured over six decades and contributed to peace and stability in Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, that relationship has been periodically disrupted by the Thai military’s intervention in the country’s contentious politics. This happened again most recently in May 2014… Read more >>
“By the Numbers: China & the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)”
50: The Articles of Agreement for establishing the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) were signed on June 29 by 50 member states, including countries from within Asia such as South Korea, India, and Australia, and countries outside the region such as the United Kingdom, France, and Italy. 26.06 percent: China’s voting share in the AIIB… Read more >>
Recent Programs
CSIS programs are designed to expose you to policymakers through open and honest dialogue
The Banyan Tree Leadership Forum with Nguyen Phu Trong, July 8
CSIS hosted Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, for a major policy speech during his trip to Washington. Earlier Trong, the first leader of Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party to visit Washington, had a historic meeting with President Obama in the Oval Office. The theme for his speech was “U.S.-Vietnam Relations in a Changing World”… Read more >>
Upcoming Programs
CSIS programs are designed to expose you to policymakers through open and honest dialogue
Fifth Annual CSIS South China Sea Conference, July 21
This full-day conference will provide opportunities for in-depth discussion and analysis of U.S. and Asian policy options in the South China Sea. It will feature speakers from throughout the region, including claimant countries. Panels will address recent developments, legal issues, the strategic balance, and engage in a crisis simulation… Read more >>
For more the Sumitro Chair for Southeast Asia Studies, check out our website, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, visit our blog CogitAsia, and listen to our podcast atCogitAsia and iTunes. Thank you for your interest in U.S. policy in Southeast Asia and CSIS Southeast Asia. Join the conversation!
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