Daily Defence News
The region’s most attractive country is a hotbed for political turmoil. Thailand’s martial class have tried seizing power at least 14 times since the beginning of the 20th century–and they’ve succeeded often enough. With a military junta firmly in control despite a new king, Thailand seeks to industrialize further through advanced manufacturing. This is seen as an […]
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Southeast Asia’s wealthiest country is built like a fortress. Having gained independence in 1965, the city state launched an ambitious program to build an armed forces that would scare its neighbors. Israel played a seminal role in Singapore’s rise and to this day both countries share a unique security partnership. Thanks to its rigorous National Service, Singapore […]
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Myanmar The country that used to be Burma is the most troubled member of ASEAN. Gaining independence in 1947 led to a civil war that continues until present, pitting Rangoon against various ethnic militias in the country’s lawless hinterland. Myanmar was Southeast Asia’s poorest country when it joined ASEAN in 1997. It’s still in the […]
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Upon gaining independence in 1949 after years of armed struggle, Indonesia emerged as the world’s most populous Muslim country. It soon went on an annexation binge, snapping up former European colonies all the way to West Papua. Almost half a century of continuous dictatorship ended in 1998 with Suharto’s downfall and a viable democracy was […]
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