Laos

In the wake of surging energy demand across Southeast Asia, Laos has pursued an ambitious strategy to become “the battery of Asia,” exemplified by the development of the Xayaburi Dam—its first large-scale hydropower project on the Lower Mekong River. This article explores how the dam reshaped Laos’ post-2008 economic priorities and institutions, driving a shift toward export-oriented growth and deeper regional energy integration. While it brought investment and institutional reform, it also intensified tensions between development, environmental sustainability, and transboundary cooperation.

This month we look at China's position towards Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Japan's stance on nuclear weapons, human rights violations in Laos, South Korea's chaotic presidential election and the revival of nuclear power in The Philippines.

A military coup in Vietnam! Leadership turnover in Laos and the CCP's planning for the Lunar New Year. Indonesia's plane crash. And Tokyo Olympics: YES or NO?

Laos inaugurates its first highway, while Brunei's caught up in a festive mood for its December Festival! The dark side of Asia: exploitation of couriers in South Korea and the curtailment of human rights in China and the Philippines.