Straight Talk Southeast Asia is a weekly podcast series that covers politics in Southeast Asia, analysing elections, conflict, political risk, governance and human rights. Along with dissecting the political muck, Bridget Welsh and Zachary Abuza engage with those shaping politics and political narratives in the region.
This show is produced by Norman Chella, aka. Norm.
Episodes
Season 4 (2026)
Published: 30 September 2026
Episode 37 - Arms Trafficking in Southeast Asia
This episode looks at the illegal arms trafficking in Southeast Asia with independent researcher Michael Picard.
Published: 22 September 2026
Episode 36 - Bangsamoro’s Polls
This episode looks at the 2026 Bangsamoro’s Polls with International Crisis Group’s Georgi Engelbrecht focusing on the results and the implications for peace and security in the Philippines.
Published: 14 September 2026
Episode 35 - A Look at Cambodia’s Authoritarianism
This episode examines how the CPP and its leaders have maintained power in Cambodia with Dr. Neil Loughlin drawing from his recent book, The Politics of Coercion and discussion of recent developments in Cambodia.
Published: 8 September 2026
Episode 34 - Varied Regime Political Pressures
This episode examines current domestic politics across the region from Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia to Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar, focusing on the various pressures facing current governments.
Published: 5 September 2026
Episode 33 - Building ASEAN Energy Resilience
This episode speaks to authors, Pey Peili & Adam Hansen, on the report entitled “Building Energy Resilience and Integrity,” published by RSIS in June 2026.
Published: 3 September 2026
Episode 32 - ASEAN at 59
This episode reflects on how contemporary ASEAN as an organization is evolving and the challenges she is facing with Joanne Lin Weiling.
Published: 23 August 2026
Episode 31 - Environmental Activism Facing Pressure in Indonesia
This episode looks at the Human Rights Watch report entitled Grabbed Land, Silenced Justice: The Persecution of Environmentalists and Indigenous Leaders in Indonesia with researcher Andreas Harsono.
Published: 16 August 2026
Episode 30 - 301-Tariffs
This episode looks at the late July decision to impose Section 301 tariffs on Southeast Asian countries with Dr. Deborah Elms.
Published: 8 August 2026
Episode 29 - Electoral Turning Points in Malaysia
This episode looks at broader electoral changes taking place in Malaysian politics after three state elections in which the governing coalition leading the Anwar Ibrahim Madani government has lost ground.
Published: 28 July 2026
Episode 28 - Türkiye and ASEAN
This episode looks at Türkiye’s relationship with ASEAN with Mehmet Enes Beşer, focusing on defense, economic and political ties as well as Türkiye’s interests in the region.
Published: 21 July 2026
Episode 27 - Brunei’s Challenges
This episode looks at challenges facing Brunei with Dr. Kerstin Steiner examining the dynamics of generational change, succession, her political economy and geopolitical shifts.
Published: 14 July 2026
Episode 26 - Myanmar’s Junta Normalisation
This episode looks at Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing’s attempt to normalize his government in the region, especially in ASEAN with Professor Thitinan Pongsudhirak.
Published: 9 July 2026
Episode 25 - Youth Social Media Ban Southeast Asia
This episode examines the social media ban policy for children under 16 and focuses in on this policy in Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia and Indonesia, with Dr. Nuurrianti Jalli.
Published: 30 June 2026
Episode 24 - Maritime Conflict Decision Making
This episode looks at the agency and policy approaches of Southeast Asian countries over maritime defence issues in Southeast Asia with Dr Natalie Sambhi and Dr Bich Tran, drawing from a report by Verve Research.
Published: 24 June 2026
Episode 23 - Indonesia Not in Crisis Yet
This episode with economist Dr. James Guild examines Indonesia’s political economy at a time when her currency is facing unprecedented pressures and President Prabowo Subianto is undergoing economic changes.
Published: 20 June 2026
Episode 22 - A Look at Philippine Elite Politics
This episode looks at recent developments in Philippine politics, from leadership changes in the Senate, impeachment trials, extraditions and management of disasters, and digs through the headlines in order to understand broader ongoing shifts.
Published: 16 June 2026
Episode 21 - Toboso Killings, Philippines Political Violence
This episode discusses political violence in the Philippines through a lens focus on the recent Toboso killings with scholar Patrick Peralta.
Published: 8 June 2026
Episode 20 - Shangri-La 2026 - Defence Diplomacy Challenges
This episode reflects on the 2026 IISS Shangri-La Dialogue defence diplomacy dialogue held in Singapore last month with its key organizer Dr. Evan Laksamana and shares insights from their new annual report on Asia Security.
Published: 4 June 2026
Episode 19 - Japan Steps Up for Southeast Asia
At a time of increasing global crisis and greater uncertainty, this episode looks Japan’s deepening relations with Associate Professor Kei Koga and showcases how middle powers are strengthening ties with Southeast Asia.
Published: 15 May 2026
Episode 18 - Food Security in Southeast Asia amidst the Iran War
This episode looks at food security in the context of the changing weather conditions and the Iran war with RSIS’s Dr Jose Ma. Luis P. Montesclaros, highlighting variation in risks across the region and potential policy responses.
Published: 6 May 2026
Episode 17 - Papua Protests
This episode looks at recent developments in Papua with Dr. Hipo Wangge.
Published: 30 April 2026
Episode 16 - Russia and Southeast Asia
This episode looks at the relationship between Russia and Southeast Asia with Dr. Ian Storey building on his seminal book Putin’s Russia and Southeast Asia.
Published: 24 April 2026
Episode 15 - Thailand’s Military
This episode looks at Thailand’s military and its changing political role with Dr. Paul Chambers.
Published: 17 April 2026
Episode 14 - ASEAN’s E-Crises – Energy and E-Waste
This episode looks at two different crisis impacting the region – energy with Peter Cockcroft triggered by the Iran War and the management of E-Waste the product of rising tonnes being trafficking into the region with Basil Action Network’s Wong Pui Yi.
Published: 9 April 2026
Episode 13 - Mekong River Politics
This episode examines the geopolitical and environmental issues connected to the Mekong River with Stimson Center’s Senior Fellow Brian Eyler.
Published: 3 April 2026
Episode 12 - Non-Shifting Myanmar Politics
This episode examines recent developments in Myanmar, from changes in the military to the new federal arrangement announced by the National Unity Government with journalist Lorcan Lovett.
Published: 26 March 2026
Episode 11 - Iran War and Southeast Asia
This episode examines how the war in Iran is impacting geopolitics and economies in Southeast Asia with expert journalist James Dorsey.
Published: 20 March 2026
Episode 10 - Labor Rights Trends in Southeast Asia
This episode looks at contemporary labor rights issues in Southeast Asia with ILO’s technical specialist Benjamin Harkins.
Published: 14 March 2026
Episode 9 - New Zealand and Southeast Asia
This episode looks at the relationship between New Zealand and Southeast Asia with Professor Malcolm McKinnon.
Published: 6 March 2026
Episode 8 - Critical Minerals and Southeast Asia
This episode looks at the geopolitics of critical minerals in Southeast Asia with Dr. Alvin Camba.
Published: 22 February 2026
Episode 7 - Indonesia’s Economic Tremors
This episode analyzes Indonesia’s economic tremors with economist Dr Siwage Negara.
Published: 12 February 2026
Episode 6 - Thailand’s Election
This episode looks at Thailand’s 2026 general election with University of Michigan scholar Ken Lohatepanont, examining the victory of Bhumjaitai party, losses by Pheu Thai and People’s Party, changing voting patterns and implications ahead.
Published: 1 February 2026
Episode 5 - Myanmar Five Years On
This episode looks at Myanmar’s junta’s election and reflects on the five-year anniversary of the 2021 coup.
Published: 30 January 2026
Episode 4 - Philippines ASEAN Chairmanship
This episode looks ahead at what to expect with the 2026 ASEAN chairmanship of the Philippines with Dr. Don McLain Gill.
Published: 22 January 2026
Episode 3 - Contextualizing Vietnam’s Party Congress
This episode examines the Vietnam Party Congress with Nguyen Khac Giang, tracing developments and broader ongoing political reforms taking place in Vietnam.
Published: 17 January 2026
Episode 2 - Cambodia Scam Centers
This episode looks at the extradition of Chen Xi to China from Cambodia and the broader geopolitics of Cambodia’s scam economy with Harvard University Asia Center Visiting Fellow Jacob Sims.
Published: 11 January 2026
Episode 1 - Looking Back at 2025
This episode looks back at political developments in 2025, drawing attention to geopolitics, Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship, domestic power consolidation and strain and pressures for change.
Season 3 (2025)
Published: 21 December 2025
Episode 50 - Myanmar's Junta Polls
This episode looks at contemporary Myanmar politics at the end of the 2025 with SEAPI political analyst/fellow Billy Ford, focusing on the Myanmar junta election, challenges for the opposition/resistance and what to look out for ahead.
Published: 18 December 2025
Episode 49 - Economic Shocks and Southeast Asia’s Resilience
This episode looks at the economy in Southeast Asia over the past year with Lowi Institute’s Roland Rajah, highlighting shocks, resilience and variation across the region.
Published: 10 December 2025
Episode 48 - Climate Governance in Southeast Asia
This episode looks at the recent COP30 meeting in Belem Brazil and how developments at the meeting connect to Southeast Asia, as well as policy trends around climate governance in ASEAN with Sharon Seah.
Published: 8 December 2025
Episode 47 - Regional Lessons from Sabah Polls
This episode catches up on developments in the region after the Sabah polls hiatus and fleshes out the lessons from Malaysia’s Sabah’s 2025 state polls for understanding the region’s changing politics.
Published: 12 November 2025
Episode 46 - AI Governance in Southeast Asia
This episode looks at AI governance in Southeast Asia with Michael Bak, Head of Research
of AI Safety Asia.
Published: 2 November 2025
Episode 45 - Trump Comes to Malaysia / ASEAN
This episode looks at US President Trump’s visit to Malaysia and the 47th ASEAN Summit/Meetings in Kuala Lumpur chaired by PM Anwar Ibrahim with Dr. Ilango Karuppanan.
Published: 26 October 2025
Episode 44 - Myanmar and ASEAN
This episode looks at how ASEAN has handled the conflict in Myanmar over the past year with Malaysia as Chair with Dr. Moe Thuzar of Singapore’s Iseas Yusof Ishak Institute.
Published: 22 October 2025
Episode 43 - Timor Leste Enters ASEAN
This episode looks at Timor Leste’s entry into ASEAN with scholar and NBR Fellow Ivo Ribiero.
Published: 13 October 2025
Episode 42 - Media Freedom in Southeast Asia
This episode reflects on the genocides impacting Southeast Asia and speaks with Committee to Project Journalist’s (CPJ) Bey Lih Yi on the challenges impacting media freedom in Southeast Asia.
Published: 5 October 2025
Episode 41 - Trends in Transnational Crime
This episode looks at trends regarding transnational crime/scam centers in Southeast Asia with transnational crime and security expert Jason Tower.
Published: 29 September 2025
Episode 40 - Indonesia Civil-Military Relations & Reshuffle Insights
This episode looks at Indonesia’s civil-military relations with Verve Research’s Natalie Sambhi and shares observations on contemporary Indonesian politics with BRIN’s Wasisto Raharjo Jati.
Published: 22 September 2025
Episode 39 - Bangsamoro Election
This episode looks at the coming Bangsamoro elections in the Philippines with Georgi Engelbrecht.
Published: 17 September 2025
Episode 38 - India and Southeast Asia
This episode looks at India’s relationship with Southeast Asia with JNU’s associate professor Rahul Mishra.
Published: 8 September 2025
Episode 37 - Papua’s Perpetual Conflict
This episode looks at the conflict in Papua with Dr. Hipolitus Wangge, examining recent trends and challenges.
Published: 1 September 2025
Episode 36 - Protests in Indonesia
This episode discusses factors shaping the recent protests in Indonesia with Dr Rendy Pahrun Wadipalapa of BRIN.
Published: 25 August 2025
Episode 35 - A Look at Laos
This episode focuses on contemporary developments and challenges facing Laos with Associate Professor Keith Barney of the Australian National University.
Published: 18 August 2025
Episode 34 - Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
This episode looks at Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy with Jonathan Berkshire Miller, and highlights Canada’s increased engagement with the region.
Published: 11 August 2025
Episode 33 - Myanmar's Post-Coup Economic Transformation
This episode with Dr. Jared Bissinger looks at the major developments in Myanmar’s economy since the junta coup of February 2021.
Published: 4 August 2025
Episode 32 - Southern Thailand's Not So Contained Conflict
This episode looks at the conflict in southern Thailand with long-term political analyst of this area Don Pathan.
Published: 28 July 2025
Episode 31 - Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes
This episode looks at the border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand with Professor Gregory Raymond.
Published: 21 July 2025
Episode 30 - A Pressure Game? Tariffs in Southeast Asia
In this episode, we are joined by Economist Doris Liew in a look at how Southeast Asia is responding to the Trump administration’s tariffs.
Published: 15 July 2025
Episode 29 - Protecting Myanmar Nationals in Thailand
This episode with Nadia Hardman discusses the Human Rights Watch report on the vulnerabilities of Myanmar nationals in Thailand and explores possible solutions.
Published: 7 July 2025
Episode 28 - Vietnam’s Administration Restructuring
This episode looks at Vietnam’s administrative reforms profoundly reshaping local government and relationships with citizens with Hanh Nguyen.
Published: 1 July 2025
Episode 27 - Thailand’s Political Instability Persists
This episode looks at developments in contemporary Thailand and factors impacting shaping instability with Thai academic, activist and former member of parliament Kunthida Rungruengkiat.
Published: 24 June 2025
Episode 26 - Macron Courts ASEAN: France’s ‘Third Way
This episode looks at France’s engagement with Southeast Asia with IFRI’s Juliette Loesch, with analysis of contemporary Thailand and fallout of the escalation of the Iran-Iraq War on Southeast Asia from co-host Zachary Abuza.
Published: 18 June 2025
Episode 25 - Southeast Asia Goes Nuclear? A Look at Singapore
This episode looks at the transformation of Southeast Asia’s energy sector with a focus on nuclear power with Dr. Alvin Chew who concentrates on Singapore but also looks at trends across the region.
Published: 9 June 2025
Episode 24 - Indonesia’s Prabowo Navigates Global Shifts
This episode looks at Indonesian foreign policy under President Prabowo Subianto with Dr. Yohanes Sulaiman.
Published: 2 June 2025
Episode 23 - ASEAN Resilience
This episode looks at the recent ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur and challenges facing the regional organization with Prof Dewi Fortuna Anwar.
Published: 26 May 2025
Episode 22 - Changing Elite Dynamics in Thailand?
This episode discusses developments in elite politics in Thailand with scholar Ken Lohatepanont.
Published: 19 May 2025
Episode 21 - A Look at Philippine Midterms
This episode discusses the May 2025 Philippine midterm elections with Prof Cleo Anne Calimbahin, highlighting the changes in fortunes for prominent political families, the impact on President Marcos and potential for political reform ahead.
Published: 13 May 2025
Episode 20 - Why the Funan Techo Canal Matters
This episode looks at the Funan Techo Canal in Cambodia and the challenges of transwater diplomacy in Southeast Asia with Dr. Brian Eyler.
Published: 6 May 2025
Episode 19 - Philippines Mid-Term Elections
This episode looks at the upcoming May 12 midterm elections in the Philippines with Professor Ronald Holmes of De La Salle University.
Published: 30 Apr 2025
Episode 18 - Reflecting on 50th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon
This episode examines the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, and Vietnam’s political, diplomatic, and economic development since then, and the 30th anniversary of the founding of bilateral diplomatic relations between the US and Vietnam with Dr. Huong Le Thu, deputy Director for Asia at the International Crisis Group.
Published: 27 Apr 2025
Episode 17 - Singapore Goes to Polls
This episode looks at Singapore’s 15th General Election with Dr. Elvin Ong, discussing the issues and how politics in Southeast Asia’s city-state are changing.
Published: 20 Apr 2025
Episode 16 - China Comes to Town: President Xi’s Visit to Malaysia
This episode looks at China President Xi Jinpeng’s historic visit to Southeast Asia, focusing in on Malaysia with Assoc Prof Khoo Ying Hooi. Discussion also looks at ASEAN and the Myanmar earthquake.
Published: 15 Apr 2025
Episode 15 - Food Security and Tariffs in Southeast Asia
This episode examines food security in Southeast Asia with RSIS’s Dr Jose Ma. Luis P. Montesclaros, paying special attention to the impact of the US-China trade war and tariffs. We also reflect on the legacy of Malaysia’s fifth prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Published: 5 Apr 2025
Episode 14 - Aftershocks: Myanmar and Tariffs
This episode looks in-depth at the Myanmar earthquake, the domestic and international responses and broader implications with Khin Ohmar from of Progressive Voices, Myanmar Human Rights Council.
Published: 30 Mar 2025
Episode 13 - Shocks in Southeast Asia – An Earthquake & Trump Tariffs
This episode looks at key developments in Southeast Asia as the region is facing shocks from earthquakes to cuts in humanitarian aid, before turning to a conversation with US policy analyst Steven Oken on how the Trump tariffs are unfolding in Southeast Asia.
Published: 24 Mar 2025
Episode 12 - TNI’s Empowerment & Democratic Erosion in Indonesia
This episode with Virdika Rizky Utama looks at recent measures by the Prabowo Subianto government that have caused concerns about an erosion of democracy and weakening of governance in Indonesia, from the new bill on military (TNI) power to attacks on civil society and media.
Published: 18 Mar 2025
Episode 11 - Duterte’s Arrest and its Aftermath
This episode looks at the arrest of Rodrigo Duterte with Carlos Conde of Human Rights Watch who argues for the need to look beyond the elites to the victims of the crimes against humanity conducted.
Published: 10 Mar 2025
Episode 10 - Democracy under Threat in Southeast Asia
This episode looks at trends in democratic backsliding and challenges to human rights in the region with human rights activist Phil Robertson.
We are at pivotal point in democracy in Southeast Asia, with the withdrawal of support for aid and rise of new threats to human rights.
Published: 6 Mar 2025
Episode 9 - Media in Exile in Myanmar
In this climate of cuts in support for democracy and serious challenges facing journalism, this episode looks at how the Democratic Voice of Burma has not only survived but thrived with its co-founder Aye Chan Naing.
Published: 25 Feb 2025
Episode 8 - Southeast Asia the Ukraine-Russia War
This episode with Dr. Radityo Dharmaputra looks at Southeast Asia’s view of the Ukraine-Russia war on the week of the three year anniversary of the Russia invasion of Ukraine.
Published: 17 Feb 2025
Episode 7 - Tackling Scam Victimization in Southeast Asia
This episode with Hishamuddin Hashim (Malaysia International Humanitarian Organisation, MHO) looks at how civil society in Southeast Asia is working to address the increasing victimization of citizens in the region with a focus on rescue operations of Malaysian victims.
Published: 11 Feb 2025
Episode 6 - Trump’s 1st Round Tariffs and Southeast Asia
This episode will look at the first round of tariffs of the Trump administration and how they may impact Southeast Asia and look ahead to what could be consequences for future tariffs on businesses and economies in the region with economist Trinh Nguyen.
Published: 3 Feb 2025
Episode 5 - Humanitarian Aid in Southeast Asia
This episode with Grace Stanhope & Dr. Alistair D.B. Cook looks at humanitarian aid in Southeast Asia and analyzes trends and effects of the recent freeze on international support by the United States on the region.
Published: 26 Jan 2025
Episode 4 - The Road for Myanmar
On the four-year anniversary of Myanmar’s coup, this episode discusses governance in Myanmar with U Kyaw Zaw, the spokesperson of President’s Office of National Unity Government, highlighting the junta’s mismanagement and high costs of a proposed ‘election’.
Published: 21 Jan 2025
Episode 3 - Social Media Contestation in Southeast Asia
This episode with Dr. Benjamin YH Loh looks at recent trends in social media contestation in Southeast Asia and their impact on the region’s politics.
Published: 14 Jan 2025
Episode 2 - From Biden to Trump: Change is in the Air
With a focus on US policy towards Southeast Asia, this episode looks back at the legacy of the Biden administration and forward to the incoming Trump administration.
Published: 6 Jan 2025
Episode 1 - A Year of Oligarchic Consolidation?
This episode looks back on 2024 and ahead to the new year, discussing trends in Southeast Asia’s politics. Am joined with my new co-host and co-curator Professor Zachary Abuza.
Season 2 (2024)
Published: 17 December 2024
Episode 50 - Malaysia as ASEAN Chair
This episode looks prospectively at Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship with geopolitical analyst Thomas Daniel from ISIS-Malaysia.
Published: 10 December 2024
Episode 49 - ICC and Myanmar’s Junta
This episode with Ambassador Laetitia van den Assum, looks at the recent decision by the International Criminal Court to extend an arrest warrant to Myanmar’s junta military chief, Min Aung Hlaing.
Published: 5 December 2024
Episode 48 - COP29 and Southeast Asia
This episode with Trang Nguyen looks at the recent COP29 meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan and how developments at the meeting connect to Southeast Asia.
Published: 25 November 2024
Episode 47 - Indonesia’s Regional Elections
This episode looks at Indonesia’s regional elections, the contests and broader trends in Indonesian politics, with Dr. Yoes Kenawas. The regional elections will be held simultaneously across Indonesia to elect 37 Provincial Governors and 508 Mayors or Heads of Districts. It marks a landmark in Indonesia’s democracy.
Published: 20 November 2024
Episode 46 - Civil-Military Relations in Southeast Asia
This episode looks at broad trends in civil-military relations in Southeast Asia with Dr. Natalie Sambhi.
Published: 14 November 2024
Episode 45 - Expectations of Prabowo Presidency
In a week of presidential elections, this episode looks ahead at Indonesia’s Prabowo Subianto presidency with Dr. Yohanes Sulaiman.
Published: 4 November 2024
Episode 44 - Taiwan and Southeast Asia
On the eve of the US presidential election, this episode looks at current trends in Taiwan’s relationship with Southeast Asia with Dr. Alan Hao Yang.
Published: 30 October 2024
Episode 43 - Tak Bai Massacre 20 Years On: Southern Thailand Conflict
This episode looks at the conflict in southern Thailand after the 20th anniversary of Tak Bai Massacre with analyst Don Pathan.
Published: 23 October 2024
Episode 42 - Coming Shocks for Southeast Asia’s Economy? A Look at the US Presidential Election
This episode looks at the impact of the US presidential election on trade and the economy in Southeast Asia with analyst Deborah Elms.
Published: 18 October 2024
Episode 41 - Unrequited Love, Duterte and the Philippines
This episode with Marites Vitug looks at former president Rodrigo Duterte’s relationship with China and how both Duterte and ties with China are shaping contemporary Philippine politics.
Published: 7 October 2024
Episode 40 - Jokowi's Political Legacy
This episode looks at the political legacy of Indonesia’s seventh president Joko Widodo 2014-2024 with Dr. Djayadi Hanan.
Published: 2 October 2024
Episode 39 - A Look at Laos
This episode looks at contemporary Lao politics with journalist David Hutt.
Published: 27 September 2024
Episode 38 - A Crisis within a Crisis: Myanmar Floods and Bombing
This episode looks at the situation in Myanmar, where Typhoon Yagi and escalating junta bombing have exacerbated the crisis and conflict within the country with Professor Miemie Winn Byrd.
Published: 17 September 2024
Episode 37- Southeast Asia Through a James Scott Lens
This episode discusses social scientist James Scott’s impact on understanding Southeast Asia and looks at how his lens is shaping analysis of the region with Professor Meredith Weiss and Dr. Janjira Sombatpoonsiri.
Published: 11 September 2024
Episode 36 - Pope's Southeast Asia Visit the Vatican's Asia Pivot
This is the fourth visit to Southeast Asia for Pope Francis, the longest of his papacy. We discuss Pope Francis’s Asia Pivot and its implications with Father Clarence Devadass of the Catholic Research Center in Kuala Lumpur.
Published: 4 September 2024
Episode 35 - Better Economic Futures in Southeast Asia
This episode looks at the development challenges facing Southeast Asia with UNDP’s Philip Schellekens drawing from the 2024 Asia-Pacific Human Development Report Making our Future: New Directions for Human Development in Asia and the Pacific and discusses new solutions and approaches to move the region forward.
Published: 27 August 2024
Episode 34 - Crossing a Democratic Line in Indonesia
This episode with Dr. Ian Wilson looks at the Constitutional Court decisions over elections in Indonesia, attempts to override these decisions and public protests that have, for now, put a stop to these efforts.
Published: 19 August 2024
Episode 33 - Hun Manet First Year as PM
This episode looks at the first year of the tenure of Prime Minister Hun Manet in Cambodia with Dr. Sam Seun.
Published: 14 August 2024
Episode 32 - Air Pollution in Southeast Asia
This episode looks at political factors shaping air pollution in Southeast Asia with Universiti Malaya’s Dr. Helena Varkkey, as the region grapples with some of the poorest air quality in the world.
Published: 7 August 2024
Episode 31 - South Korea and Southeast Asia Changing Relations
This episode looks at the changing relationship between South Korea and Southeast Asia with Dr. Jaehyon Lee, highlighting recent shifts and drivers.
Published: 31 July 2024
Episode 30 - Southeast Asia at the Olympics
This episode looks at political factors shaping Southeast Asia’s engagement in the Olympics and sports with Dr. Simon Creak.
Published: 24 July 2024
Episode 29 - Road to Nusantara
This episode discusses the status of the move of Indonesia’s capital to Nusantara in Kalimantan, a key legacy issue of President Joko Widodo. The discussion with Dr. Yanuar Nugroho, Visiting Fellow of ISEAS, draws from the new book, The Road to Nusantara.
Published: 16 July 2024
Episode 28 - Are Thailand’s Politics Stable?
This episode looks at current Thai politics, with attention to the issues of political stability and contestation. The discussion with Dr. Prajak Kongkirati focuses on drivers and dynamics of political instability, while the conversation with Ken Lahatepanont centres on the recent Senate elections. While unpredictable, there are striking continuities in contemporary Thai politics.
Published: 10 July 2024
Episode 27 - A Test of Inclusion in Malaysia: Citizenship for Children of Malaysian Mothers Born Overseas
This episode looks at how Malaysia’s Anwar government has addressed the issue of gender discrimination in citizenship for children born overseas to Malaysian mothers. After repeated promises to address the injustices, the legislation has been stymied by regressive amendments. I am joined in the conversation with Suri Kempe of Family Frontiers.
Published: 3 July 2024
Episode 26 - Sea Change in Human Trafficking in Southeast Asia
Straight Talk Southeast Asia focuses on this week’s release of the Trafficking in Persons report for the region, discussing significant sea-changing shifts with Jacob Sims.
Published: 25 June 2024
Episode 25 - Sara Duterte's Resignation in the Philippines
This episode with Dr. Alvin Camba looks at the leadership divisions in the Philippines which were exposed publicly this past week when Vice President Sara Duterte resigned from the Marcos Cabinet.
Published: 18 June 2024
Episode 24 - A Look at Changes in Vietnamese Politics
After the leadership transition in Vietnam, this episode looks at the broader drivers and implications of ongoing political changes in conversation with Dr. Zachary Abuza.
Published: 10 June 2024
Episode 23 - Strategic Engagement in Japan-Southeast Asia Relations
Japan is being much more strategic in its engagement with Southeast Asia, with new priorities and regional frameworks/organisations. The engagement with the region is changing, broadening and deepening as Japan is taking on a more prominent leadership and proactive approach in its relations with the region. At the same time, the level of engagement is more dynamic and multifaceted in many directions – like Tokyo’s Scramble, organized, purposeful and busy!
This episode with Dr. Kei Koga examines current dynamics in the Japan-Southeast Asia relations, drawing attention to new drivers and recent changes in Japan’s approach to foreign policy toward the region.
Published: 3 June 2024
Episode 22 - Timor Leste’s Challenges
Published: 27 May 2024
Episode 21 - Rise of Transnational Crime and Scamming in Southeast Asia
This episode looks at the rise of transnational crime in Southeast Asia focusing on the findings of a May 2024 United States Institute of Peace report on drivers and the changing patterns of criminality. Joining me is Dr. Jason Tower, one of the chairs of the study.
Published: 20 May 2024
Episode 20 - Legal Democratic Backsliding in Indonesia
This week’s episode focused on contemporary legal measures that are undercutting democracy in Indonesia with Human Rights Watch’s Andreas Harsono.
Published: 13 May 2024
Episode 19 - A More Resilient Singapore: Lee Hsien Loong's Legacy
As Lee Hsien Loong steps down after almost twenty years as the third prime minister of Singapore this episode reflects on his legacy in conversation with Dr. Bilveer Singh.
Published: 4 May 2024
Episode 18 - A Changing EU-ASEAN Relationship?
This episode looks at the relationship between Europe and Southeast Asia with journalist David Hutt, focusing on shifts in priorities and engagement.
Published: 29 April 2024
Episode 17 - Political Turmoil in Vietnam
This episode in conversation with Dr. Nguyen Khac Giang looks at Vietnam’s leadership crisis after the leader of the National Assembly Vuong Ding Hue resigned this month, removing yet another pillar of the country’s collective leadership.
Published: 22 April 2024
Episode 16 - Myanmar Junta Losing Control of Borders? Overview of Losses and Kyaw Lynn on Rakhine
This episode looks at how conflict has intensified since Operation 1027 last year and in particular in the last three months as the junta has lost ground across border areas, from Rakhine and recent fall of Myawaddy to Muse in the Shan and Laukkai in Kachin states and fleshed out some of the implications. Special attention centres on Rakhine in conversation with analyst Kyaw Lynn.
Published: 16 April 2024
Episode 15 - Are Southeast Asia’s Climate Change Policies Heating Up?
This episode looks at the issue of climate change in the region, with a focus on the politics and policies that are changing. Leading the discussion is Dr. Danny Marks from Dublin City University.
Published: 8 April 2024
Episode 14 - Gaza Resonating in Southeast Asia
On the week of six months into a horrifying war, this episode discusses how the conflict in Gaza and Palestine is resonating in Southeast Asia with Middle East analyst James Dorsey (The Turbulent World).
Published: 2 April 2024
Easter Break: A Quick Update on Southeast Asia
This week, Straight Talk Southeast Asia is taking a break due to Easter. The show returns next week.
Published: 26 March 2024
Episode 13 - Singapore Looks to Polls
This episode with Dr. Michael Barr discusses ongoing changes in Singapore politics from unprecedented scandals and a leadership transition to greater complexity in national politics as the country prepares for elections later this year or early next year.
Published: 18 March 2024
Episode 12 - Building Women’s Empowerment through ASEAN
In recognition of a focus on women in March, this episode looks at some of the challenges facing women in Southeast Asia as a whole, highlighting the work taking place in ASEAN with Ryce Chanchai, lead of the ASEAN Governance and Women, Peace and Security Regional Programme of UN Women.
Published: 12 March 2024
Episode 11 - Australia’s ASEAN Economic Pivot: Reflecting on the Melbourne 2024 Summit
This episode with Susannah Patton reflects on the 2nd Australia-ASEAN Summit held in Melbourne earlier this March. We look at how Australia’s relations with the region and individual countries are changing, as are its priorities and positioning.
Published: 6 March 2024
Episode 10 - Greater Democracy in Malaysia? Discussion of Changing Politics
This episode discusses ten broad changes taking place in Malaysian politics in a look back at developments in the last year. Straight Talk Host Dr. Bridget Welsh draws from her analysis of politics in the field.
Published: 23 February 2024
Episode 9 - Bangsamoro Heads Toward Peace?
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) celebrated its 5th anniversary last month and the peace process will mark ten years this year. This region of 5 million people located in the Philippine southern island of Mindanao with 18 million people has a long history of conflict and violence. This episode looks at the status of the peace process, the challenges facing the interim Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and other stakeholders with Georgi Englebrecht, Senior Analyst of the Crisis Group based in the Philippines.
Published: 20 February 2024
Episode 8 - Indonesia’s Election Aftermath
Prabowo Subianto won the presidential elections in the first round, with the preliminary results suggesting the fortunes of political parties did not fundamentally change. This episode looks at what happened, why and what to expect next in Indonesian politics with Dr. Philips Vermonte.
Published: 12 February 2024
Episode 7- Evolving Politics in Vietnam
This episode with Dr Tu Nguyen looks back at Vietnam politics in 2023 and ahead, with a special focus on ongoing reforms of the social safety net. While the traditional focus of analysing politics has centred on elites, with attention to the recent anti-corruption campaign, this discussion highlights changes in policy and greater demands from Vietnam’s changing society.
Published: 6 February 2024
Episode 6 - Indonesia’s 2024 Legislative Elections
The focus of Indonesia’s elections has been on the presidential race. This episode with CSIS’s Dr. Arya Fernandes focuses on the legislative elections, the changing fortunes of different political parties, factors shaping party voting and how the result may transform Indonesian politics.
Published: 30 January 2024
Episode 5 - Myanmar in Prison?
This episode looks at Myanmar on the third anniversary of the political coup, with a conversation with economist Sean Turnell. We discuss his fabulous new book, The Unlikely Prisoner, where he tells his story of 650 days jailed by the military junta, as well as discuss broader changes taking place in the country this past year.
Published: 23 January 2024
Episode 4 - Ebbing of Democratic Regression in the Philippines
This episode looks back at what happened in 2023 in the Philippines, from Bongbong Marcos’s leadership, growing elite infighting to the creation of a new investment fund and local government elections, reflecting on the trends in Philippine politics with Professor Ronald Holmes.
Published: 17 January 2024
Episode 3 - Towards Stability in Thailand?
This episode with Professor Duncan McCargo looks back at politics in Thailand in 2023, discussing different interpretations about what happened in the May election and deals associated with the formation of the government, and looks ahead at key issues facing Thai democracy and political stability.
Published: 10 January 2024
Episode 2 - Indonesia’s 2024 Presidential Elections
This episode with Dr. Alex Arifianto is a primer on the coming presidential polls in Indonesia, highlighting the personalities and factors shaping the campaign five weeks before the first round of elections.
Published: 10 January 2024
Episode 1 - Reckoning after a Year of Deals: Southeast Asia in 2024
This episode reflects on political developments in Southeast Asia in 2023 and highlights key issues that will shape the year ahead.
Season 1 (2023)
Published: 18 September 2023
Episode 18 - Singapore Presidency
Singapore has inaugurated its ninth president, Tharman Shanmugaratnam who was elected by a resounding majority earlier this month. Join Bridget in conversation with Professor Terence Lee discussing the election and what it means for Singapore politics.
Published: 24 August 2023
Episode 17 - Cambodia's Transition
This episode looks at the ongoing political and economic transition taking place in Cambodia. Bradley Murg shares his insights on the challenges ahead for Cambodia’s political economy, while Bridget shares her thoughts on facets ahead for the political change in leadership.
Published: 17 July 2023
Episode 16 - Democratic Betrayal in Thailand?
This episode looks at developments in Thai politics surrounding the first vote for the prime minister and the blocking of Move Forward’s Pita Limjaroenrat as prime minister. In a continued conversation with University of Michigan scholar Ken Mathis Lohatepanont.
Published: 4 July 2023
Episode 15 - Towards a Thai Government and Malaysia’s State Election Primer
This episode features a primer on Malaysia’s upcoming state elections by Bridget Welsh and a discussion of political developments in Thailand with political analyst Ken Lohatepanont as its parliament meets after the historic May 2023 elections.
Published: 29 June 2023
Episode 14 - Perspective of LGBTIQ+ Rights in Southeast Asia
It’s Pride month. This episode looks at the unique challenges the LGBTIQ+ communities in Southeast Asia face and how the debates over rights and forms of activism have changed. We discuss these issues with academic Anthony Langlois who has written widely on gender and sexuality rights in the region and human rights activist Thi Laga who leads JusticeforSisters.
Additional info:
Southeast Asia: An ongoing duel with conservative forces
Published: 16 June 2023
Episode 13 - Singapore Presidency Election
Singapore will decide on its next president this year. Join me with Dr. Gillian Koh to discuss recent entrants into the race, the role of the Singapore presidency and issues tied to a possible election.
Additional info:
Published: 8 June 2023
Episode 12 - Discussing the Shangri-La Dialogue
Every year defence ministers meet in Singapore as part of the annual Shangri-La Dialogue organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). In this episode with IISS Senior Fellow Aaron Connelly we discuss the geopolitical issues raised, with special attention to Southeast Asia.
Published: 2 June 2023
Episode 11 - Rohingya at Risk
One of the most targeted populations in the world, Rohingya continue to be at risk. After victimization from human trafficking, genocide, refugees lacking mobility, right to work and education, this month they were in path of Cyclone Mocha, facing reduction of humanitarian support and renewed calls for repatriation. Join me in conversation of risks and responses with experts and advocates Tun Khin and Lilianne Fan.
Published: 27 May 2023
Episode 10 - Timor Leste's Polls and Challenges
In this episode, Dr. Bridget Welsh is joined by Dr. Michael Leach, Professor of Politics from Swinburne University of Technology, Australia, in an analysis of Timor Leste’s May elections – the results and factors shaping the polls and the challenges ahead for this young country that stands out for being the most democratic in Southeast Asia.
Published: 22 May 2023
Episode 9 - Thailand's 'Revolutionary' Election
On May 14 Thais overwhelmingly rejected conservative/military rule at the polls. Join me for a conversation about how this election reflects broader changes in Thai society, the emergence of new political forces, and compares to its past with historian Dr. Chris Baker.
Published: 18 May 2023
Episode 8 - Zahid's Vision? Where to UMNO?
UMNO is one of Southeast Asia’s oldest parties. For decades it failed to reform from within. Now new political conditions are forcing change, making the party address hard issues of its narrative and its place in Malaysia’s politics. Join a conversation with on-the-ground journalist Amirul Ruslan and Dr Bridget Welsh on the challenges the party faces, Zahid’s vision and the primacy of survival.
Published: 17 May 2023
Episode 7 - Imperfect Partners: US-Southeast Asia
In this episode, Dr. Bridget Welsh talks with seasoned US diplomat Scot Marciel, who shares insights from his latest book Imperfect Partners on US-Southeast Asia relations. Marciel is based at the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center in Standford and served over 37 years across the region.
Published: 15 March 2023
Episode 6 - Killing Politicians for Hire in the Philippines
In this episode, Bridget discusses more on the recent political violence in the Philippines, from political assassinations to guns for hire. She speaks with Peter Kreuzer from the Peace Research Institute in Frankfurt as well as with Ross Tugade from Ateneo de Manila University, to share different perspectives on these issues.
Additional info:
Courtesy resignations won’t solve the Philippine National Police’s problems
Killing Politicians in the Philippines: Who, Where, When, and Why, PRIF Report 2/2022
If You Can’t Beat Them, Kill Them. Fatal Violence Against Politicians in the Philippines, PRIF Report 2/2021
Published: 8 March 2023
Episode 5 - Ukraine War and Southeast Asia: Reluctance or Realism?
This episode looks at why Southeast governments have been reluctant to criticise Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Bridget Welsh is joined by regional scholars Ian Chong and Hoo Chiew Ping who offer different perspectives of responses and Russia’s influence in Southeast Asia.
Guests
Ian Chong is associate professor of political science at NUS and a non-resident fellow of Carnegie China.
Hoo Chiew Ping is a Senior Lecturer at Strategic Studies and International Relations at National University Malaysia (UKM).
Published: 1 March 2023
Episode 4 - Closing Down Democracy in Cambodia?
Cambodia has shut down its last independent media organization, VOD. Episode 4 discusses what this means for national politics and the impact on media with scholar Sophal Ear and human rights activist Sopheap Chak.
Guests
Sophal Ear is an associate professor and associate dean at Thunderbird School for Global Management, specializing on Cambodia and political economy of the region.
Sopheap Chak is the Executive Director for Cambodian Center for Human Rights.
Published: 22 February 2023
Episode 3 - Turning the Page in Southern Thailand Conflict?
With a new peace talk facilitator from Malaysia and Thailand’s national elections coming in May, there are new opportunities to address the protracted conflict in southern Thailand. Join Bridget Welsh and security expert Don Pathan discussing the conflict and obstacles ahead.
Guest
Don Pathan is an independent security and conflict analyst based in Thailand.
Published: 15 February 2023
Episode 2 - Working Inside-Outside Human Rights Southeast Asia
In the wake of annual reports on human rights, for this episode Bridget Welsh speaks to human rights activists, Phil Robertson and AICHR Chair Yuyun Wahyuningrum on the region’s human rights challenges and evolving strategies.
Guests
HE Yuyun Wahyuningrum is a human rights activist, chair of ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission of Human Rights (AICHR) and the representative from Indonesia.
Phil Robertson is the deputy director of Human Rights Watch.
Published: 8 February 2023
Episode 1 - Way Out of Crisis in Myanmar?
Three years on, Myanmar’s crisis is far from over. This episode discussed different dimensions of the crisis, and speaks with seasoned Myanmar journalist Thin Lei Win and Malaysia’s former Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah on what steps need to be taken to respond to the crisis.
Guests
YB Saifuddin Abdullah is the MP for Indera Mahkota and Malaysia’s former Foreign Minister from 2018-2020, 2021-2022.
Thin Lei Win is a Myanmar journalist who founded Kite Tales and Thin Ink, analysing food security and food systems globally.
Published: 7 February 2023
Introducing Straight Talk Southeast Asia
In this trailer episode, host Dr. Bridget Welsh introduces the premise of this show and what we will discuss every episode. It can range from news and current affairs within the Southeast Asian region, to issues on politics, governance, inequality, and more that we believe to be of the upmost importance if you want to be informed about Southeast Asia.
Keep up to date with the latest episode to be informed of the latest news, so we can understand this region, its nature, politics, and each other in the process as well. See you in the next episode!
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