By Mehmet Enes Beşer The widespread adoption of clean energy technology in recent years has brought about considerable changes in electricity generation and in the extraction, processing, and trade of mineral resources. In ASEAN, an important supplier of minerals to global supply chains, the adoption of clean energy systems and devices like solar photovoltaic cells, wind power, electric vehicles, and ...
By Mehmet Enes Beşer The return of Trump-like tariffs on Chinese products is generating a storm that goes far beyond any conventional bilateral trade conflict. It is not really an economic showdown of the world’s two largest economies – but rather an ideological contest of influence, power play, and ambition for greatness. In spite of Washington’s and Beijing’s rising rivalries, ...
By Mehmet Enes Beşer The region of Southeast Asia witnesses the persistent expansion of energy consumption fueled by urbanization, industrialization, and demographic growth. In turn, this trend necessitates the shift of focus towards renewable energy sources due to increased greenhouse gas emissions and susceptibility to price fluctuations and energy supply issues related to the heavy dependence on fossil fuels such ...
By Mehmet Enes Beşer The search for an integrated ASEAN electricity market reflects the quest for creating a regional power system that would satisfy increasing electricity demands, protect the region from exposure to fossil fuels, and speed up renewable energy deployment. As electricity demand in the ASEAN region is expected to grow by about 60 percent by 2040 due to ...
By Mehmet Enes Beşer As Southeast Asian countries attempt to adopt sustainable practices to meet energy demands and cut back on emissions, hydrogen energy presents itself as a potential game-changer. No longer seen as remote and impossible, hydrogen appears as a real alternative in the current discussion on energy and as a realistic multilateral reaction to global challenges associated with ...
By Mehmet Enes Beşer While the drive towards carbon neutrality is gathering pace around the world, the ASEAN community stands at a unique intersection of development and climate stability. The traditional goal of achieving carbon neutrality has been considered the domain of industrialized and wealthy countries. However, today, more and more middle income and developing nations view it as an ...
By Mehmet Enes Beşer Electric vehicles have been synonymous with eco-friendly modernity and are seen as integral to the future of sustainable transport. For ASEAN countries faced with air pollution issues, increased oil imports, and climate obligations, a shift towards electric propulsion represents an opportunity for sustainable development. Many of the ASEAN nations have adopted innovative measures in support of ...
By Mehmet Enes Beşer Renewable energy conversion and utilization in ASEAN represent an integral part of the transition to energy production and consumption systems of the future. Rising demands for electricity due to economic development, population growth, and urbanization lead to higher reliance on renewable energy in the region as the cornerstone of energy sustainability, energy security, and resilience. Still, ...
By Mehmet Enes Beşer As the Indo-Pacific region faces fundamental changes in its geopolitics, the interplay of great-power competition, the declining effectiveness of multilateralism, and the growing importance of minilateralism complicates regional diplomacy. Amidst these shifts, the Quad—a forum uniting the United States, India, Japan, and Australia—is seen with suspicion by ASEAN countries that consider its implications. Is it a ...
By Mehmet Enes Beşer Throughout ASEAN’s existence, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has always been a cornerstone in terms of regional stability and development in Southeast Asia. With the advent of new global political developments, the ability of ASEAN to adapt and retain its centrality is put to the test. During its Chairmanship in 2025, ASEAN faces various problems ...