Islamic State Branches in Southeast Asia
By Rohan Gunaratna
Synopsis
Preparations are underway to proclaim an Islamic State branch in the Southern Philippines, while the Indonesian military has pre-empted IS plans to declare a provincial satellite in eastern Indonesia. Such a foothold will have far-reaching consequences for the stability of the region.
Technological Advances and National Security
By Cung Vu
SynopsisThe pace of technological advances demands that national security policy and decision makers understand the relationship between technology and security. They must also be conversant with and functional in the various technological domains relevant to national security.
The 3rd ADMM-Plus: Did the Media Get it Right?
By Tan See Seng
Synopsis
The decision by the recent ADMM-Plus meeting in Kuala Lumpur to scrap a planned joint declaration has been depicted in the media as another failure by the regional grouping to end on a positive note due to the South China Sea issue. This is not necessarily an accurate portrayal.
US Security Cooperation: Panacea or Siren Song?
By Luke R. Donohue
Synopsis
Security Cooperation as a military concept or doctrine in US strategic thinking must always bear in mind the needs of the US partners if burden-sharing is to be an effective strategy.
ASEAN and Global Change
By John Pang
Synopsis
As we set our eyes on the long horizon of economic integration we should not neglect the important role ASEAN can play in the wider region today.
Abe’s Plan For Japan: A Fourth Arrow?
By Naoko Kumada
Synopsis
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has repeatedly claimed that Abenomics, represented by ‘Three Arrows’ of reform, is his highest policy priority. However, his government’s controversial passing of the Security Bills suggests that a higher priority is the unpopular goal of re-establishing jishu kenpō (自主憲法), an ‘independent constitution’ in place of the US drafted ‘imposed’ Constitution. This ideologically driven project, not economic reform, has been the real focus of the Abe administration.