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Southeast Asia

A woman sitting on the floor of a home

Cambodia farmers displaced by sugar plantations proceed with landmark international class action suit

Conflict & Justice

The growth of the sugar industry in Southeast Asia resulted in the displacement of many small farmers. But some farmers in Cambodia are finally trying to get compensation for their losses, and, in some cases, violent harassment by sugar producers. A class action lawsuit in Thailand filed by Cambodian farmers is considered to be a major landmark for this part of the world. New documents may suggest that Coca-Cola knew about human rights violations in Cambodia.

White Sand beach on Boracay Island, in the Philippines.

The return of Chinese tourists restores hope in the Philippines’ tourism industry

Business, Economics and Jobs
President Joe Biden participates in the US-ASEAN Special Summit to commemorate 45 years of US-ASEAN relations at the State Department in Washington, Friday, May 13, 2022.

US ‘walks fine line’ at Southeast Asia summit to strengthen ties

Foreign policy
US Vice President Kamala Harris takes part in a roundtable at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore

Southeast Asia allies express concern over US commitment amid Afghanistan crisis

Global Politics
A sole woman waits in an empty movie theater-turned vaccination hub for her vaccine at a mall

Filipinos hesitant about getting COVID jab after dengue fever vaccine debacle

COVID-19
A sole woman waits in an empty movie theater-turned vaccination hub for her vaccine at a mall

Vaccine hesitancy: A nationwide challenge in the Philippines

COVID-19

After a major controversy over a dengue fever vaccine, many Filipinos are vaccine-weary when it comes to the COVID-19 jab. 

A scaly pangolin with small, brown eyes and a pointy nose forages for food near some greenery.

Pangolin smuggling: The next coronavirus time bomb?

COVID-19

For years, the plight of the pangolin has been a niche concern, mostly worrying conservationists. But the COVID-19 pandemic has pulled pangolins into the spotlight.

A man cast his ballot during the early voting ahead of the Nov. 8 general election, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spread in Yangon, Myanmar, Oct. 30, 2020.

Myanmar prepares for a remarkable but messy election 

Elections

On Sunday, Nov. 8, Myanmar will hold its second major election since the end of totalitarian rule. Thant Myint-U, a Burmese author and historian, speaks to The World’s Southeast Asia correspondent, Patrick Winn, about its implications.

Sihanoukville, Cambodia, has become a construction site in recent years, with dozens of Chinese projects to build business and apartment high-rises, and with roads under construction around town.

Opening the door to Chinese investment comes with risks for Southeast Asian nations

On China's New Silk Road

Southeast Asian countries have long managed a complex relationship with China, the region’s biggest trading partner and their most powerful neighbor. China’s new Silk Road promises opportunities for economic growth, but at what cost?

Military tanks pass by a building featuring traditional Chinese architecture.

Misusing culture in international politics: Part I

Critical State

Neoconservative intellectuals have long turned perceptions of East Asian culture into ammunition for a global political agenda, according to historian Jennifer Miller. Critical State takes a deep dive into Miller’s new article that charts these patterns.

Latest Episode

Can Southeast Asia become an economic hub to rival (or at least balance) China?