LATEST PULSE

The global trade war between the US and China has left many major economies grappling with uncertainty. With rising tariffs and shifting supply chains, countries have faced economic disruptions and challenges.   Surprisingly, Southeast Asia has emerged as an unexpected beneficiary. According to a recent report by the Lowy Institute, exports from Southeast Asia to the US have soared, growing by 23% in September 2025 compared to the previous...

China has begun construction of what is set to become the most powerful hydroelectric system ever built, high in the Himalayas. The project promises vast amounts of electricity for China but raises deep concerns downstream in India and Bangladesh, where tens of millions of people depend on the river for their livelihoods.   A Mega Project Built Into the Himalayas China is pushing ahead with a massive and politically sensitive hydropower p...

As the United States threatens tariffs to force countries to back its claim over Greenland, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has rejected the economic pressure and warned against the use of trade to reshape borders and alliances.   On January 20, Anwar answered questions at the Dewan Rakyat. Asked about Greenland, he said Malaysia would not support any attempt to force political or territorial outcomes through economic pressure, warn...

Imagine waking up on a cold winter morning and nothing works. The lights stay off. The heater is dead. There is no hot water and no way to cook breakfast. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, millions of Europeans suddenly realized that this scenario was very possible. The war triggered a major energy shock and exposed how dependent Europe had become on Russian oil and gas.   As Russia cut gas supplies, energy prices surged ac...

Southeast Asia is facing a growing divide as mainland countries move closer to China and maritime nations try to balance their ties with both China and the United States.   Mainland Southeast Asia Leans Toward China Countries like Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam are increasingly aligning with China. This shift is mainly driven by China’s infrastructure projects, such as the new railway in Laos, which strengthens their...