Aries A Arugay
Visiting Fellow at ISEAS–Yusof Ishak InstituteArticles by Aries A Arugay
Politics
From Caracas to Cambodia: How far will Washington go?
The capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has sent shockwaves throughout the world, not least in terms of global rules and what is accepted behaviour. So what can Southeast Asia learn from the US’s recent actions in Venezuela? ISEAS researchers Hoang Thi Ha and Aries A Arugay ponder the question.
Hoang Thi Ha, Aries A Arugay
21 Jan 2026
Politics
Scarborough Shoal incident: A test for ASEAN, China and regional stability
A recent incident between the Philippine Coast Guard and China’s maritime forces could presage a change in tactics by the latter. If this is so, tensions in the disputed area might head north.
Ian Storey, Aries A Arugay
25 Aug 2025
Politics
Marcos's visit to Vietnam: When Manila's pivot meets Hanoi's pragmatism
Vietnam and the Philippines have agreed to strengthen maritime cooperation in the South China Sea. Digging deeper, however, the two countries are taking distinct approaches in countering the Chinese coercion in the maritime area.
Hoang Thi Ha, Aries A Arugay
06 Feb 2024
Politics
First island chain strategy: Japan-Philippines security relationship deepens
While Japanese PM Kishida's recent visit to Manila points to the upward momentum of the Japan-Philippines Strategic Partnership, it will also be a litmus test of Japan's strategic goals in the rest of Southeast Asia.
Aries A Arugay, Mico A Galang
27 Nov 2023
Politics
US and China fight for influence in strategic provinces of the Philippines
The locus of superpower rivalry in the Indo-Pacific has gone down to the subnational level. The US and China are engaged in a power competition for influence within local governments in the Philippines, not least in the Cagayan area.
Aries A Arugay
11 Apr 2023