In an article for the Torino World Affairs Institute’s Indo-Pacific Outlooks, Pongphisoot Paul Busbarat and Thanawit Wangpuchakane argue that the EU can play an indispensable role in reinforcing the agency of Indo-Pacific secondary powers, such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, India, and ASEAN.  Through a series of cooperative, inclusive, multilateral frameworks, the EU can help maintain the liberal order, stabilizing the region at a time of a growing leadership vacuum in the Indo-Pacific.

In an article for East Asia Forum, Gerhard Hoffstaedter discusses China's rising influence over area studies, particularly in Southeast Asia. What was once an area dominated by Western scholars has shifted, in light of funding cuts and shifting government priorities by the US, UK, EU, and Australia. The shift towards Chinese advancements in this area constitutes a fundamental rebalancing of global knowledge production with profound geopolitical implications.

In an article for the Journal of Historical Geography, Christian C. Lentz revisits mid-20th century Asia, particularly Southeast Asia, examining journalist, scholar-activist, and theorist Oey Hong Lee's book, Asia Won in Dien Bien Phu (1961). The article puts Asia Won in dialog with ideas of worldmaking, space-time, and eventful temporality to argue for an eventful geography of decolonization.

In an article by East Asia Forum, Mari Pangestu and Julia Tijaja discuss the need for ASEAN to strengthen regional resilience in light of geopolitical tensions and the negative effects of US tariffs on the region's economy. By deepening regional integration, fully implementing RCEP, coordinating and addressing reforms and priorities, ASEAN may turn these issues into an opportunity for growth and leadership.

Annie Pohlman writes for a special issue of Inside Indonesia, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the 1965-1966 genocide, where an estimated 500,000 people were murdered for their real or perceived support of the Indonesian Communist Party (Partai Komunis Indonesia, PKI).

Ready to take your leadership journey to the next level?

Applications are now open for the 2026 Asia Foundation Development Fellows! Join a unique fellowship program for future leaders across Asia-Pacific who are driving change in their communities.

Here's what you'll gain:
✅ Study tours in Korea and the United States
✅ Executive coaching and mentoring
✅ Professional development award

Don't miss your chance to become a global changemaker!

🗓️ Applications close on November 10, 2025