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News
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Reformist movement suffers setback as conservative-leaning party claims landslide victory
Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin's Bhumjaithai Party secured a majority of seats. The progressive People’s Party finished in second place by a surprisingly wide margin.
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Thailand: Hope for change, longing for stability
Political turmoil, weak economic growth and a bloody border conflict are shaping the mood in Thailand ahead of the parliamentary elections on 8 February. The progressive People's Party is ahead in the polls but despite changes to the rules, it remains unclear whether it will actually be able to govern this time around.
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“These elections will not be free and fair”
Myanmar has been under military rule since February 2021. Now the junta is organizing elections, which are widely criticized by international observers. A couple of weeks before the elections, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom interviewed two politicians in Yangon/ Myanmar. Both cherish democracy. One will stand as a candidate in the upcoming elections. They will bring a minimal platform for civilian politics, he believes. The other politician ran in past elections, but will not be a candidate this time. He has no trust in the process. Both remain anonymous, we call them NP and P. Why have they chosen starkly different paths?
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China´s and Russia´s increasing influence in Southeast Asia
Beijing’s and Moscow’s strategic integration of diplomatic, military, and economic instruments - Joseph Nye calls the mix “smart power” - exert influence in Southeast Asia. Democratic states are concerned. But they must move beyond platitudes to counter Beijing’s and Moscow’s influence. Credible, pragmatic support that delivers tangible benefits on the ground are needed if the West wants to remain influential in the region.
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Global Power Struggles: Implications for the Korean Peninsula
Trump's second term has disrupted global politics. Just like in Europe, there are significant concerns in South Korea that Trump might bypass allies – particularly regarding US policy towards North Korea. FNF Korea and Hanyang University explored in a panel discussion the potential impacts of geopolitical shifts on the Korean Peninsula.
