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Asia Unbound

CFR fellows and other experts assess the latest issues emerging in Asia today.

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Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin,on April 2, 2024.
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin,on April 2, 2024. Brian Snyder/Reuters

A Second Trump Term: How Will Each Southeast Asian State Respond? Part 2

A potential second Trump administration would force Southeast Asian countries to make difficult choices between the United States and China. Read More

China
Advanced Manufacturing to be a Focus of China’s July Party Plenum
China's third plenum will likely emphasize manufacturing as a tool to remedy domestic economic problems, which may run the risk of heightening tensions with its trading partners.
Election 2024
A Second Trump Term: How Will Each Southeast Asian State Respond? Part 1
A potential second Trump administration would upend Southeast Asia’s preferred strategy of hedging between the United States and China.
Taiwan
Analyzing Lai Ching-te’s Inaugural Address: More Continuity Than Difference
In his inaugural address, Taiwan’s new president Lai Ching-te signaled broad continuity on cross-strait issues. China, however, is likely to respond with increased pressure. 
  • Thailand
    Thailand’s Government Promised Change. It’s Delivering Chaos
    The government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has done little to address Thailand’s pressing issues, and now, after a Cabinet reshuffle and high-profile resignations, it seems to be in chaos.
  • Thailand
    Thailand’s Politics Suffer More Turbulence
    The current Thai government, which assumed power in 2023, has proven ineffective in tackling the nation’s challenges, while its politics have become increasingly fractious.
  • Myanmar
    Will 2024 Be the Junta’s End in Myanmar?
    Myanmar’s civil war between resistance groups and the ruling military junta has reached a decisive phase.
  • Taiwan
    Taiwan’s Democracy Is Thriving in China’s Shadow
    Despite China’s growing pressure, Taiwan has developed one of the world’s strongest democracies—one that will be increasingly tested in the coming years. 
  • Asia
    Early Signs From President-Elect Prabowo Subianto Are Worrying
    As President-Elect, Prabowo Subianto, widely accused of past rights abuses, is already showing signs that he may further damage Indonesia's fragile democracy.
  • China
    Second Trump Term Could Be Disastrous for Southeast Asia
    A second Trump term could intensify the rivalry between the U.S. and China in Southeast Asia so that regional countries can no longer delicately dance between the giants.
  • Vietnam
    As Vuong Dinh Hue Resigns, Vietnamese Politics Get Even Messier
    Resignations in Vietnam’s top political leadership have exposed widespread societal corruption and prompted a succession crisis for the party.