Costly Coal or Novelty Nuclear: How are States in South and Southeast Asia Responding to the Conflict in the Middle East?

States in South and Southeast Asia have found themselves increasingly dependent on oil traded through the Strait of Hormuz. With the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the blockades in the Strait of Hormuz, energy shortages and reliance on coal have become the new trend. In an effort to rapidly secure energy for their people and to keep their economies up and running, these states are forced to turn to alternatives to oil and liquified natural gas, pushing the region into a new era of energy use.

The Taste of Influence: Southeast Asia’s Culinary Diplomacy and Tourism Appeal

From Bangkok’s bustling street stalls to Hanoi’s hidden pho shops, food has become Asia’s newest form of diplomacy. Thailand’s state-backed “Global Thai” campaign turned its cuisine into a world brand, while Vietnam’s street-food fame has grown more organically through social media. Together, they show how taste can shape tourism, strengthen national identity, and transform local dishes into tools of global influence.

AsiaRashi SinghNovember 9, 2025Food Diplomacy, Vietnam, Thailand, Tourism, Culinary Influence