Why Southeast Asia is Drifting Away from Washington

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The geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia is undergoing a tectonic shift. For decades, the United States was viewed as the indispensable powerthe security guarantor that allowed the region’s tiger economies to flourish. However, recent events, culminating in the devastating economic fallout of the Iran war, have accelerated a trend that many in Washington failed to see coming: Southeast Asia is increasingly looking toward Beijing, not out of ideological love, but out of pragmatic necessity. This shift is not merely a preference for one superpower over another; it is a profound vote of no confidence in the predictability and reliability of Western leadership. The Credibility Gap: From Trade Wars to Kinetic Wars The erosion of trust didn't happen overnight. It began with a series of inconsistent trade policies and sudden tariffs that left regional exportersfrom Malaysia to Vietnamreeling. When global leadership feels like a moving target, Southeast Asian nations, which prioritize...
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Indonesia's Nuclear Diplomacy: A New Role on the Global Stage

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In a significant development on the international stage, the Republic of Indonesia has stepped up its nuclear diplomacy efforts following its recent membership in the United Nations (UN) nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Indonesia's newfound role as a representative for the Southeast Asia and Pacific region on the IAEA Board of Governors marks a pivotal moment in its nuclear diplomacy endeavors. This prestigious position places Indonesia alongside other influential IAEA board members, including South Korea, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, and Spain.

The election that led to Indonesia's board membership took place on 28 September, where new members were chosen to serve on the 35-member IAEA Board of Governors for the 2023–2024 term. With this appointment, Indonesia gains the capacity to submit recommendations on IAEA programs and approve nuclear-related safeguard guidelines for future UN Nuclear Watchdog agency initiatives. Indonesia now holds a central role in the policy-making body of the UN nuclear watchdog, underscoring its commitment to global nuclear security and diplomacy.

Indonesia's stance on nuclear power has been unequivocal. The country has consistently emphasized the dangers posed by nuclear weapons and has called on all nations to fulfill their obligations under the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) as a means to address the nuclear crisis. Indonesia advocates for the peaceful use of nuclear power, emphasizing its potential for promoting peace rather than conflict.

However, Indonesia faces the formidable task of convincing major global powers to support the goal of keeping Southeast Asian countries free of nuclear weapons. The country's top diplomat has reiterated concerns regarding the threat posed by nuclear weapons, highlighting the urgency of the issue.

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