Richard Horsey

In this enlightening conversation, Richard Horsey, a Crisis Group analyst and Myanmar expert, dives into the recent offensive by the Three Brotherhood Alliance—featuring three ethnic armed groups making strides against Myanmar's military. He unpacks the intricate motives behind the offensive, including economic interests tied to illicit activities and border dynamics with China. Horsey discusses the formation and goals of these ethnic groups, the humanitarian crises unfolding, and the junta’s refusal to engage in talks, painting a complex picture of ongoing turmoil in Myanmar.

Richard Horsey, a senior analyst and Myanmar expert at the International Crisis Group, delves into the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Myanmar. He discusses the significant challenges faced by relief efforts, including the impact of U.S. aid cuts and the military's absence from rescue operations. The conversation highlights China’s rapid response and its geopolitical implications, the potential political risks for military leader Min Aung Hlaing, and the role of ethnic armed groups amidst ongoing conflict. Horsey also explores ASEAN's limited yet constructive role in the crisis.

In this engaging discussion, Sarah Newey, a Global Health Security Correspondent, uncovers the dark world of Sin City in Laos, where Chinese gangs run sophisticated scam operations. She vividly describes the glitzy yet gritty atmosphere, revealing how these scam centers operate with techniques like deepfakes and coerced labor. Joining her, Richard Horsey, a political analyst, examines how the power vacuums in the Mekong region have enabled organized crime to thrive, especially post-pandemic, while highlighting the need for international cooperation to combat these challenges.