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Myth and politics in Thailand’s cave rescue operation

As the rescue operation takes on unprecedented proportions, stories of true heroism are assuming Buddhist undertones.

Philippines beyond clichés series 1 #1: Catholic country

Jayeel Cornelio talks to Nicole Curato about the under-appreciated level of religious diversity in the Philippines.

Shariah, dakwah, and rock ’n’ roll: Pemuda Hijrah in Bandung

A movement making piety cool for youth alienated from traditional religious organisations has become a national phenomenon in Indonesia.

An interview with Ridwan Kamil

On 'black campaigns', the Islamic vote, and upcoming presidential elections.

The struggle for political Islam in ‘new Malaysia’

The GE14 result reflects PAS' enduring influence, yet the PH parties together with IKRAM and ABIM offer a viable ‘Islamic alternative’ for pious Muslim voters.

A regime change glanced askance

The ‘cari makan’ or a rent-seeking political culture may be the hardest thing to reform in Malaysia, even under a reformist government. And human nature will make this almost impossible to do.

Has Rama X revived Thailand’s death penalty?

There are strong indications that Teerasak Longji submitted a petition for royal clemency. But unlike those condemned before him, his plea for clemency was rejected by His Majesty the King.

Sceptres of instability: why spirit mediums haunt Thailand’s junta  

Why are new forms of spirit mediums proliferating under the NCPO's rule? การกลับมาของร่างทรงในยุคขาลงของรัฐบาลทหาร 4.0 สะท้อนความไม่มั่นคงในชีวิตของคนไทย

Assessing the Rohingya crisis

With the expulsion of the Rohingya largely a fait accompli, the world must face up to engaging with a very different Myanmar.

PoP picks @ ASAA

PoP's completely biased top picks for the 2018 Asian Studies Association of Australia (ASAA) conference

What’s behind the “purging” of the Thai sangha?

The reasons behind several recent demotions and arrests of high-ranking Bangkok monks are more politically conniving than simply an attempt to “purify" the sangha.