Politics
The ASEAN-4’s interest in BRICS: A shift in global alliances?
Malaysian academic Benny Teh explains why Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam (ASEAN-4) recently became partners of BRICS. This move is unlikely to break ASEAN apart, but the ability of BRICS to bring about the benefits it promises is not assured.
Benny Teh
14 Nov 2024
Politics
Japanese PM Kishida's proactive diplomacy amid global insecurity
Malaysian academic Benny Teh assesses that the recent G7 summit in Hiroshima was a show of Japan's more assertive role in international diplomacy in the face of greater threat perceptions, not least from China. In inviting a host of other countries that could further its 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' agenda, it sought to open dialogue that could help build a bulwark against rising alternative groupings courting the global south.
Benny Teh
01 Jun 2023
Economy
Malaysia resurfacing the Asian Monetary Fund: Will the idea take off this time?
An Asian Monetary Fund was first mooted by Japan during the Asian Financial Crisis in the late 1990s, but did not quite take off then. Now, with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim resurfacing the proposal during his recent trip to China, is the prospect of an AMF more likely today than it was 26 years ago?
Benny Teh, Law Chee Hong
09 May 2023