She specializes in Southeast Asian politics, with a particular focus on Malaysia, Myanmar and Singapore. She has edited/written numerous books including, Reflections: The Mahathir Years, Legacy of Engagement in Southeast Asia, Impressions of the Goh Chok Tong Years, Democracy Takeoff? The B.J. Habibie Period, Awakening: The Abdullah Badawi Years and The End of UMNO? Essays on Malaysia's Dominant Party and over fifty chapters and academic articles. Her latest book is Regime Resilience in Malaysia and Singapore (edited with Greg Lopez). Her research reflects a keen interest in democracy and governance in East Asia, especially Southeast Asia.