

Dialogues at Fulcrum
ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
Dialogues at Fulcrum provides an insider's perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of Southeast Asia. We speak to researchers at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute (ISEAS), as well as external speakers, on topics related to Southeast Asia and its wider geostrategic and economic environment. Dialogues at Fulcrum is published by ISEAS. Established as an autonomous organisation by the Singapore Government in 1968, ISEAS is a regional research centre dedicated to the study of socio-political, security and economic trends and developments in Southeast Asia.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 5, 2021 • 38min
ASEAN Summits: Be Like Water
In this episode of Dialogues at Fulcrum, William Choong, Managing Editor of Fulcrum, talks to ISEAS researchers Moe Thuzar and Sharon Seah about the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summits. They discuss the key highlights of the meetings, ASEAN’s continued engagement with external powers such as Australia, China and the United States, and Cambodia’s chairing of ASEAN in 2022.
Moe Thuzar is the Co-coordinator of the Myanmar Studies Programme. Sharon Seah is the Coordinator of the ASEAN Studies Centre.
Dialogues at Fulcrum is a podcast published by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
For quick reference, the themes below were addressed during the podcast:
1:10 - Highlights from the 2021 ASEAN Summits
3:08 - Why the Summits matter to ASEAN citizens
6:23 - The concept of non-interference: in evolution?
10:18 - China and Cambodia’s chairmanship of ASEAN
14:04 - China, the United States and Myanmar
18:21 - Biggest takeaways from the Summits
21:54 - The impact of a ‘virtual’ summit
25:56 - ASEAN centrality and Myanmar
31:31 - The “true beauty” of ASEAN: shape shifting
33:30 - The SAC’s legal challenge to ASEAN: holding water, be like water

Sep 6, 2021 • 1h 7min
In Conversation: ASEAN's Special Mission to Myanmar
In this episode of Dialogues at Fulcrum, William Choong, Managing Editor of Fulcrum, talks to two ISEAS researchers about the ongoing political developments in Myanmar after the February 2021 coup. They discuss the impending visit of ASEAN’s Special Envoy to Myanmar, and the challenges and opportunities that will come with the trip.
Dialogues at Fulcrum is a podcast published by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
For quick reference, the themes below were addressed during the podcast:
2:25 – A recap of what has happened in Myanmar since February 2021
18:38 – The challenges and opportunities that the ASEAN Special Envoy will face as he prepares for his visit to Myanmar
30:15 – The progress report that the Special Envoy is expected to deliver, and the need for the envoy to visit all stakeholders involved
36:10 – ASEAN processes that will help the Special Envoy for his visit to Myanmar
40:49 – What external powers such as the United States, China and India can do to improve the situation in Myanmar.
47:18 – The general sentiment among Myanmars towards ASEAN
57:29 – What are the milestones to look out for before the ASEAN summit meetings in November?

May 11, 2021 • 44min
Dialogues at Fulcrum: Interview with Parag Khanna on his book The Future is Asian
In this inaugural episode of Dialogues at Fulcrum, William Choong, Managing Editor of Fulcrum, sits down with Parag Khanna, author of “The Future is Asian: Commerce, Conflict and Culture in the 21st Century”. Published in 2019, the book covers a broad spectrum of themes such as Asian history, the region’s economic rise and the ongoing Asianisation of Asia.
Dr Khanna is a leading global strategy advisor, world traveller and author.
Dialogues at Fulcrum is a podcast published by the ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute.
For quick reference, the themes below were addressed during the podcast.
1:00 - Has the West and Asians themselves accepted the “rise of Asia”?
8:50 - Fears about a gradual US withdrawal from the region
11:05 - Interdependence or pragmatism in Sino-US relations?
15:40 - Does the Quad have legs to run?
21:38 - The US and China: different visions of regional order
32:00 - What kind of traction can ASEAN get on Myanmar?
37:50 - Can Singapore’s model of technocratic governance be replicated?


