Published August 23, 2012 | By Felipe Umaña

The Straits of Malacca consist of a narrow but lengthy waterway that extends more than 500 miles from the eastern limits of the Andaman Sea to the South China Sea in Southeast Asia. Straddling the sea route between the Indonesian island of Sumatra, the Thai-Malay Peninsula, and the small city-state of Singapore, the Straits of Malacca are known globally for their economic, political, environmental, and strategic importance. The Straits themselves link the Indian Ocean to some of Asia’s most powerful economies, as well as many other trade-influential countries, like the United States, Germany, and Russia.

More than 60,000 vessels traverse the critical chokepoint per year, carrying more than a third of global trade. Due to the amount of traffic, the region is also home to some of the busiest ports in the world, particularly in Singapore. The Straits attract foreign investment with the amount of commerce and trade it supports. The Straits are also the focal point of legal and political issues, such as the sovereignty of territorial waters and the responsibility to secure the waterway. Likewise, the waterway is a source of environmental concern for the littoral countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. The maintenance of the environment is important to all three states in order to not deter tourism or development projects in the area, both of which can in turn influence the economic and political sectors directly. Finally, the Straits are crucial for worldwide communication and resource exchange, making them internationally significant.

Published July 20, 2012 | By Felipe Umaña

Although Malaysia is comprised of a diverse group of ethnicities and regional identities, its political system has remained relatively stable since its independence. The predominance of a single political party was reversed in 2004 with the opposition successfully stripping the National Front Coalition of its two thirds majority (leaving it with a current simple majority). While a constitutional monarchy, the federal nature of the legislative system allows significant authorities to be delegated to local states although revenue collection and other key responsibilities remain under the control of the central government.

The country has seen a lot of economic growth over the last decade and has a growing semiconductor industry. Refugee and immigration issues, as well as rising illicit drug use, remain important policy issues in 2012.

Published January 31, 2011 | By Ryan Costello

Status of International Nonproliferation and Counterterrorism Efforts in Southeast Asia