Nov 01, 2025

I recently came across news about the value and limits of small state foreign policy in Southeast Asia, focusing on recent developments like the Thailand-Cambodia border war and the implications of U.S.-China competition. Dr. Vannarith Chheang shared insights on Cambodia’s strategies as a small state amid regional tensions, emphasizing the importance of building peaceful relations with neighboring countries and the role of ASEAN in managing conflicts.

Another interesting piece of news was about concerns regarding stock market exuberance and a shift in AI tech spending towards debt. Michael Burry, known for his past bets against credit assets, cautioned about potential bubbles in the market. Despite his bearish reputation, Burry’s recent SEC filings showed a mix of long and cautious positions, including put options on China tech companies and bullish bets on stocks like Alibaba, Meta, and Nvidia.

The stock market experienced volatility due to the reception of megacap tech companies’ third-quarter earnings, leading to market retreats. Investors are closely monitoring for any signs of cracks in the bullish AI narrative driving market exuberance. Burry’s warning about bubbles and his strategic positioning in the market reflect a cautious approach amidst the current market dynamics.

Overall, the news highlighted the complexities of navigating foreign policy challenges in Southeast Asia and monitoring market dynamics in the face of potential bubbles. The discussions shed light on the importance of strategic communication, multilateral cooperation, and risk management in both geopolitical and financial contexts. It will be interesting to see how these factors evolve and impact regional dynamics and market trends in the future.

Stay Well!