Andreas Herberg-Rothe

ABSTRACT

No. 076/2013 dated 25 April 2013

By Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit

Synopsis

The recent communal rioting in Meiktila has led critics to doubt the Myanmar government’s ability to cope with its ethnic issue. Although outside efforts have failed to pressure Myanmar to institute improvements, the government will be able to curb its ethnic tensions and prevent them from spiraling out of control, making regional instability unlikely while continuing the relationship of an unhappy marriage.

Commentary

No. 054/2013 dated 4 April 2013

By Abdul Basit

Synopsis

The May 2013 election is going to be a milestone in Pakistan’s political and constitutional history. It will decide the direction of Pakistan’s political system – whether towards enduring democracy or continued instability.

Commentary

By Zhang Hongzhou

Synopsis

No. 153/2012

By Joel Ng

Synopsis

Hillary Clinton’s visit to Africa, following the recently-concluded China-Africa Summit, is viewed as a competition for influence in Africa. However, those who criticise China’s expansion in Africa largely ignore the structural differences in economic engagement between the US and China with their African counterparts.

Commentary

The proposition that climate change will or could generate international security concerns has become prominent in public discourse over the last few years. Various think tanks, government agencies and non-governmental organisations have produced reports on climate change, conflict and national security in which they argue not only that a substantial proportion of humanity could be “on the move” as a result of climate change but that migration could be a major factor in the chain of events that link climate change to violent conflict.

No. 121/2012 dated 10 July 2012

By Iftekharul Bashar

Synopsis

After being feted during her tour of Europe Myanmar’s opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is facing some politically difficult challenges at home. There is an increasing pressure on her to address Myanmar’s domestic crisis vis-à-vis the minorities.

Commentary

No. 114/2012 dated 3 July 2012

By Joel Ng

Synopsis

The process of drafting the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration has illustrated the competing tensions between old and new norms in ASEAN. Resolving these issues need not be a zero-sum game, and can focus on a common framework of human security.

Commentary

The draft ASEAN Human Rights Declaration is expected to be discussed at the 45th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting on 9 July 2012, and submitted for adoption by the 21st ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh in November.

By Iftekharul Bashar

Synopsis

Bangladesh, under international pressure to receive Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, has its own domestic concerns of demographic pressure, resource scarcity, and internal security. For a sustainable solution, the international community needs to assist Myanmar in human development and community engagement for building durable peace in its troubled Rakhine state.

Commentary