S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies

Religious narratives are increasingly shaping political discourse, as the US-Israel-Iran conflict demonstrates. To safeguard social cohesion and responsible public discourse, faith leaders, policymakers, and community leaders should strengthen principled religious engagement, promote critical thinking, encourage sustained cross-sector dialogue, and maintain governance frameworks that prevent the misuse of religion for political ends.

Read more in RSIS Commentary “Preventing the Instrumentalisation of Religion for Power and Dominance” by Dr Mohammad Hannan Hassan, a Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. He served for 28 years at the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), including as Head and Assistant Director of Islamic and Madrasah Education, Vice Dean of Muis Academy (2008-2024), and Deputy M***i (2020–2025).

Click the link below for the full commentary:
https://rsis.edu.sg/co26134

Image Credit: Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore

The energy crisis, stemming from the conflict in the Middle East, has once again exposed Southeast Asia’s deep reliance on fossil fuels and the urgency of addressing this reliance. It may yet accelerate the shift towards renewable energy. For now, however, the immediate policy responses of countries in the region, such as the Philippines and Malaysia, focus on alleviating the economic costs of the crisis through fuel subsidies, price controls, and support measures to cushion the pressures on households.

Read more in RSIS Commentary “Renewable Energy Transition: An Imperative for Southeast Asia” by Danielle Lynn Goh, Associate Research Fellow with the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies at RSIS.

Click the link below for the full commentary:
https://rsis.edu.sg/co26131

In a new document, Magnifica Humanitas, the Vatican has brought AI and religion into conversation on ethics and human dignity. By raising questions around work, slavery, and social justice, the Vatican is attempting to start a global conversation about how AI can benefit humanity, engaging both religious institutions and tech firms.

Read more in RSIS Commentary “Religious Authority and the Global Conversation on Artificial Intelligence and Ethics” by Paul Hedges, Professor of Interreligious Studies, Associate Dean (Scholarly Ecosystems), RSIS, here: rsis.edu.sg/co26128

Yesterday, RSIS hosted a delegation from the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences (SASS).

Led by Professor Wang Zhen, Deputy Director of the Institute of International Relations at SASS, the delegation met with RSIS scholars, including researchers from our US and China Programmes, for a lively exchange on key regional and global developments. Discussions covered a range of topics, including US regional policy, the Iran conflict, and maritime security. The exchange provided a valuable opportunity to share perspectives and deepen dialogue on evolving security dynamics in the region and beyond.

Last week, the Information Office of the Ministry of National Defence of China visited RSIS and met with Mr Adrian Tan, Chief Policy Research and Deputy Director of Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS), along with other RSIS experts. During the discussion, Dr Alan Chong from the Centre of Multilateralism Studies shared insights on the international politics of communication, while Mr Muhammad Faizal from the IDSS spoke on the impact of new media on strategic communications in Southeast Asia. It was a fruitful exchange of views, and such engagements helped to deepen mutual understanding.

Despite growing speculation about snap polls, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has little incentive to call an unforced general election for now. While tensions within the ruling coalition and challenges from political rivals have raised questions about his leadership, Anwar still commands a strong parliamentary majority and faces significant risks in triggering an early vote. Given Malaysia’s fragmented political landscape and uncertain electoral outcomes, Anwar is more likely to focus on governance, economic management, and strengthening support within his coalition ahead of the next scheduled general election.

Read more in RSIS Commentary “Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim and the Politics of Snap Polls” by Ariel Tan, Senior Fellow and Coordinator of the Malaysia Programme at RSIS.

Click the link below for the full commentary:
https://rsis.edu.sg/co26125

Japan has expanded its engagement with Southeast Asia in 2026, strengthening cooperation across energy, security and defence. What opportunities and challenges lie ahead for Tokyo’s growing regional role?

Read more in IDSS Paper “A Proactive Japan Deepens Pragmatic Cooperation with Southeast Asia” by Sarah Soh, an Associate Research Fellow with the Regional Security Architecture Programme at RSIS, here: rsis.edu.sg/IP26071

With geopolitical alignments in flux, and traditional alliances thrown into question, Professor Barry Buzan argues that we are in a ‘third cold war’ with vastly different characteristics as compared to previous historical approaches. In this special episode of NTS Perspectives, we speak with Professor Barry Buzan, Emeritus Professor in the Department of International Relations, at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Professor Buzan has shaped the discourse of security thinking and is a distinguished scholar in the development of securitisation theory.

Listen to the episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ulndKHTTOZv0X1TBGYRpT?si=3f7a29feb762418d

Watch it on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/M3wxxVtfERo

NTS Perspectives – Episode 5: A New Cold War? Implications on International Relations and Non-Traditional Security in Southeast Asia RSIS, NTU Singapore · Episode

The Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies (SRP) Programme commemorates its 12th anniversary, with more than a decade of research and engagement on religion and inter-religious relations in diverse societies.

Since its establishment in 2014, SRP has examined how religious communities develop their teachings to meet the contemporary challenges of living in diverse societies. Through initiatives such as the SRP Distinguished Lecture and Symposium and the SRP Executive Programme, SRP seeks to deepen understanding of inter-religious relations, explore the positive role of religions in peacebuilding, and contribute knowledge that strengthens social ties between communities.

Nuclear fusion does not use or produce fissile materials, making it largely resistant to weapons proliferation and exempt from IAEA safeguards. However, tritium (used in fusion fuel) is subject to export controls. As fusion energy moves toward commercial deployment, Southeast Asia must engage early in evolving global regulatory frameworks.

Read more in RSIS Commentary "Is Fusion Energy Proliferation Resistant?" by Dr Alvin Chew, Senior Fellow at RSIS and Andrew Ngo, Centre Director of the Future Energy Acceleration & Translation (FEAT) Centre, and Division Director of the Composites and Structural Division (CSD) at A*STAR.

Click the link below for the full commentary:
https://rsis.edu.sg/co26123