Straight Talk Southeast Asia

This episode reflects on political developments in Southeast Asia in 2023 and highlights key issues that will shape the year ahead. Stay informed on our website: https://straighttalkseasia.com/

Singapore has inaugurated its ninth president, Tharman Shanmugaratnam who was elected by a resounding majority earlier this month. Join Bridget in conversation with Professor Terence Lee discussing the election and what it means for Singapore politics. Stay informed on our website: https://straighttalkseasia.com/

This episode looks at the ongoing political and economic transition taking place in Cambodia. Bradley Murg shares his insights on the challenges ahead for Cambodia’s political economy, while Bridget shares her thoughts on facets ahead for the political change in leadership. Stay informed on our website: https://straighttalkseasia.com/

This episode looks at developments in Thai politics surrounding the first vote for the prime minister and the blocking of Move Forward’s Pita Limjaroenrat as prime minister. In a continued conversation with University of Michigan scholar Ken Mathis Lohatepanont. Stay informed on our website: https://straighttalkseasia.com/

This episode features a primer on Malaysia’s upcoming state elections by Bridget Welsh and a discussion of political developments in Thailand with political analyst Ken Lohatepanont as it parliament meets after the historic May 2023 elections. Stay informed on our website: https://straighttalkseasia.com/

It’s Pride month. This episode looks at the unique challenges the LGBTIQ+ communities in Southeast Asia face and how the debates over rights and forms of activism have changed. We discuss these issues with two academic Anthony Langlois who has written widely on gender and sexuality rights in the region and human rights activist Thi Laga who leads JusticeforSisters. Stay informed on our website: ht...

Singapore will decide on its next president this year. Join me with Dr. Gillian Koh to discuss recent entrants into the race, the role of the Singapore presidency and issues tied to a possible election. Stay informed on our website: https://straighttalkseasia.com/

Every year defence ministers meet in Singapore as part of the annual Shangri-La Dialogue organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). In this episode with IISS Senior Fellow Aaron Connelly we discuss the geopolitical issues raised, with special attention to Southeast Asia. You can read more about Aaron Connelly here. Stay informed on our website: https://straighttalkseasi...

One of the most targeted populations in the world, Rohingya continue to be at risk. After victimization from human trafficking, genocide, refugees lacking mobility, right to work and education, this month they were in path of Cyclone Mocha, facing reduction of humanitarian support and renewed calls for repatriation. Join me in conversation of risks and responses with experts and advocates Tun Khin...

In this episode, Dr. Bridget Welsh is joined by Dr. Michael Leach, Professor of Politics from Swinburne University of Technology, Australia, in an analysis of Timor Leste’s May elections – the results and factors shaping the polls and the challenges ahead for this young country that stands out for being the most democratic in Southeast Asia. Stay informed on our website: https://straighttalkseasia...

On May 14 Thais overwhelmingly rejected conservative/military rule at the polls. Join me for a conversation about how this election reflects broader changes in Thai society, the emergence of new political forces, and compares to its past with historian Dr. Chris Baker. Stay informed on our website: https://straighttalkseasia.com/

UMNO is one of Southeast Asia's oldest parties. For decades it failed to reform from within. Now new political conditions are forcing change, making the party address hard issues of its narrative and its place in Malaysia's politics. Join a conversation with journalist Amirul Ruslan and Dr Bridget Welsh on the challenges the party faces, Zahid's vision and the primacy of survival. Stay informed on...

In this episode, Dr. Bridget Welsh talks with seasoned US diplomat Scot Marciel, who shares insights from his latest book Imperfect Partners on US-Southeast Asia relations. Marciel is based at the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center in Standford and served over 37 years across the region. Stay informed on our website: https://straighttalkseasia.com/

In this episode, Bridget discusses the recent political assassinations in the Philippines. They are not a new phenomenon, but have triggered responses from the Marcos administration and conversations to address the ‘guns for hire’ with impunity. She speaks with Peter Kreitzer from the Peace Research Institute in Frankfurt as well as with Ross Tugade from Ateneo de Manila University, who share thei...

This episode looks at why Southeast governments have been reluctant to criticise Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Bridget Welsh is joined by regional scholars Ian Chong and Hoo Chiew Ping who offer different perspectives of responses and Russia's influence in Southeast Asia. Stay informed on our website: https://straighttalkseasia.com/

Cambodia has shut down its last independent media organization, VOD. Episode 4 discusses what this means for national politics and the impact on media with scholar Sophal Ear and human rights activist Sopheap Chak. Stay informed on our website: https://straighttalkseasia.com/

With a new peace talk facilitator from Malaysia and Thailand's national elections coming in May, there are new opportunities to address the protracted conflict in southern Thailand. Join Bridget Welsh and security expert Don Pathan discussing the conflict and obstacles ahead. Stay informed on our website: https://straighttalkseasia.com/

In the wake of annual reports on human rights, for this episode Bridget Welsh speaks to human rights activists, Phil Robertson and AICHR Chair Yuyun Wahyuningrum on the region's human rights challenges and evolving strategies. Stay informed on our website: https://straighttalkseasia.com/

Three years on, Myanmar’s crisis is far from over. This episode discussed different dimensions of the crisis, and speaks with seasoned Myanmar journalist Thin Lei Win and Malaysia’s former Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah on what steps need to be taken to respond to the crisis. Stay informed on our website: https://straighttalkseasia.com/

Introducing: Straight Talk Southeast Asia. In this trailer episode, host Dr. Bridget Welsh introduces the premise of this show and what we will discuss every episode. It can range from news and current affairs within the Southeast Asian region, to issues on politics, governance, inequality, and more that we believe to be of the upmost importance if you want to be informed about Southeast Asia. Kee...