Between Diplomacy and Dependency By Mehmet Enes Beşer In the face of mounting global pressure towards a binding plastic pollution treaty, ASEAN finds itself at a weak juncture—a testament to its economic ambitions as much as its environmental vulnerabilities. The region, having long been a strategic hub in global production and supply chain maneuvering, now increasingly sees itself becoming perceived ...
Uncontrolled expansion of timber plantations threatens to unravel the social fabric and environmental integrity of one of Southeast Asia’s most biodiverse regions. By Memet Enes Beşer Malaysia’s lush rainforests, previously considered a cradle of biodiversity and a key carbon sink in the fight against climate change, now increasingly face danger—not from the typical logging or infrastructure projects, but from the ...
Stable Waters in a Polarized World By Mehmet Enes Beşer China and ASEAN have stood as a steadying force in a turbulent world where power is more fragmented, and rivalry grows. Despite regional tensions, mistrust, and the recent surge in militarization, a relationship between them has held firm, underpinned by no-nonsense economics, regular institutional engagement, and cooperation that purports to ...
Unveiling the Socio-Environmental Costs By Mehmet Enes Beşer Mongolia’s extensive mineral resources have turned it into a rapidly emerging mining center, with very high promises of rapid economic development and growth. But overlying this veneer of prosperity is a richly embroidered brocade of environmental degradation, social dislocation, and economic problems that need to be thoroughly examined. Environmental Degradation: The Ecological ...
Swedish ecoactivist Greta Thunberg remains a hot topic in world media. After her infamous “How dare you”speech, she organized an environmental tour and is now meeting with various Hollywood stars. Just recently, she met with Leonardo DiCaprio, who described her as leader for our times. She also cycled with Arnold Schwarzenegger, who called her a hero, and was invited on ...