The Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) launched its electronic publication ISEAS Perspective in mid-2012.

The main function of this new product is to act as a platform for short and succinct articles analysing current events in the region, and written by researchers affiliated to ISEAS. The publication's production process has been structured for speed and for maximal distribution by electronic means.

Kept between 2000 and 3000 words, this publication format has since then proven to be a success. The feedback from members of the public has been very encouraging, as has the huge number of contributions sent in by ISEAS researchers. For subjects where in-house expertise is lacking, ISEAS invites guest writers to fill the gap.

During its first year in existence, 58 internally reviewed issues were produced. These were distributed in steady fashion by email to addresses registered with the Institute. Needless to say, the mailing list for this publication has been growing steadily. Those interested to get onto it should register by writing to iseas_perspective@iseas.edu.sg.

All past and present issues of ISEAS Perspective can be downloaded from our website for free [www.iseas.edu.sg], and will remain so for the foreseeable future. However, ISEAS has deemed it a worthy public service to have selected articles from that first year published in a single printed volume at cost price.

This is the book that you now hold in your hand.

Articles herein were chosen according to strict criteria such as analytical strength; continued salience of the subject discussed; referential potential; literary quality in general; et cetera.

ISEAS intends to print such annual selections in the coming years. We are certain that you, the reader, will find them informative and stimulating.