Indonesia’s coming election has its heavy-metal-fan president Joko “Jokowi” Widodo - widely perceived as a moderate Muslim - in one corner and Prabowo Subianto, a former lieutenant general, in the other. This is the second time they will go head to head since 2014 when Prabowo held the support of the conservative Muslims in the country.
China has been synonymous with pan-Eurasian infrastructure development since the unveiling of its grandiose Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013.
Since its inception on the 8 August 1967, ASEAN has made tremendous strides in promoting peace and stability in the region. This is carried out through abiding by the rule of law and adherence to the principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter, which allows for all member states to subscribe to its respective aims, principles, and purposes under the banner of a united regional association. As such, economic cooperation is fundamental to the progress of this collective.
Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha finally gave the clearest hint recently that he was eyeing a public role for himself after the election promised next year.
Strategists in the West fear that China’s Belt and Road initiative (BRI) is a vast, well-laid and finely orchestrated plan to extend Chinese hegemony over much of the developing world. They should be afraid of something else: It’s nothing of the sort.What many outsiders have missed is that the BRI is a vision, not a plan.
As the world moves into the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0, governance at regional and global levels is a key issue to contend with. Effective governance is necessary to adequately manage public issues that cut across national borders such as cybersecurity, cross-border terrorism, international trade and climate change.
United States (US) President Donald Trump proved a good apprentice of a different kind Wednesday, bringing to the United Nations (UN) Security Council good manners and sticking to protocol, with none of the "you're fired" swagger of his reality TV days.His debut outing as chair of the august world body, where the US holds the monthly rotating presidency, had fanned anxiety he might indulge some of the made-for-television antics infamous on "The Apprentice" show.But in
Indonesia’s presidential election was officially kicked-off with the two contenders - Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Prabowo Subianto - releasing white doves and vowing a peaceful campaign period. Hopes are running high that the promise of peace that comes with this gesture continues during the months leading up to polling day in April next year. But if the 2014 election was anything to go by, then Indonesia will need to brace itself for a turbulent flight.
Last week, Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe emerged victorious in party polls, earning him a third consecutive term as leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Abe took close to 69 percent of the vote, handing a thumping defeat to his sole challenger, former defence minister, Shigeru Ishiba. With this victory, Abe is on course to becoming Japan’s longest serving Prime Minister.
The heat on the government of Myanmar and the Tatmadaw is growing. After strong international pressure and condemnation of the country due to its actions against the Rohingya Muslims, the International Criminal Court (ICC) is finally stepping in. On 18 September, the ICC’s prosecutor opened a preliminary probe into Myanmar’s alleged crimes against the Rohingya.
North Korea and Iran will dominate this week's gathering of world leaders at the United Nations (UN), where President Donald Trump will be in the spotlight as he continues to upend global diplomacy.After warming up to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and ditching the Iran nuclear deal, the unpredictable Trump takes the podium on Tuesday to face foes and increasingly uneasy allies at the UN General Assembly.On Wednesday, he will for the first time chair a Security Council meeting on non-pr
Indonesia’s upcoming election will be fought on the economy and jobs, with the country’s ailing currency set to be a key issue, vice president candidate Sandiaga Uno said in his first interview with foreign media since joining the race.As Indonesia gears up for a long presidential campaign that begins on Sunday, the main opposition has outlined a platform that includes a shake-up of labour laws and measures aimed at boosting domestic and foreign investment.
