Cambodia News & Analysis

This week we examine the expanding quantity and range of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian shadow fleet tankers, a US ‘declaration of vengeance’ against ISIS in Syria, and how the Thai-Cambodia conflict reflects a global system in flux.

This week we cover escalating tensions between Japan and China, a timely intervention by President Trump to rescue the Thai-Cambodia peace process, Prime Minister Carney’s latest recommendations for Canada’s major projects drive, and the latest signs of a state capitalist renaissance in the West.

State leaders hope that the weekend signing of the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime in Hanoi will mark a step toward reversing the growth of transnational cybercrime networks, many of which operate with impunity just across the Mekong. But as always with global treaties, the devil will be in the details.

This week we cover how sovereignty concerns are derailing Israel-Syria normalization talks; a proposed referendum that could destabilize the Thai-Cambodia border; new Gen-Z protests in Peru; and a geopolitically consequential election in Moldova.

Recent tensions at the Thailand-Cambodia border serve as a clear warning: the old methods of bilateral talks and empty promises are failing. ASEAN’s core principles—justice, the rule of law, and peaceful dispute resolution—must be supported by practical, enforceable measures.

Recent outbreaks of violence are the natural result of historical territorial disputes, military imbalances, nationalist sentiment, and China’s strategic backing of Cambodia, which together are making the Thailand-Cambodia border one of Southeast Asia’s most volatile geopolitical flashpoints.

Exploring the historical background and key developments in a long-simmering Thailand-Cambodia border dispute that is now pushing the two ASEAN neighbors to the brink of military conflict.

Cambodia’s signing of the High Seas Treaty sends a strong message that ocean conservation is not the exclusive domain of coastal giants.

Exploring how upstream dam building, food insecurity, and climate-driven drought are pushing the Mekong River Basin toward greater geopolitical instability.

The Trump tariffs have laid bare structural deficiencies in the Cambodian economy and the pressing need for reform.

Trans-national criminal networks are becoming entrenched in Cambodia, posing new trafficking, fraud, and governance threats throughout the region and even globally.

The China-funded Funan Techo Canal project represents a critical juncture in Cambodia's development and geopolitical strategy, but the project is not without its drawbacks.

Beijing’s acquisition of overseas ports and expansion of PLA Navy projection capabilities shows all the signs of a classic security dilemma.

After 38 years in power, Hun Sen is preparing to step down. But son and heir apparent Hun Manet faces no shortage of challenges when he takes over the reins.

The Cambodian leader has botched all attempts at deescalating the Myanmar crisis and only increased the legitimacy of the ruling junta.