Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is a dynamic and diverse region at the heart of the Indo-Pacific, playing a critical role in global economic growth, strategic competition, and demographic transformation. It is also central to major conversations on maritime security, democratic governance, infrastructure development, climate resilience, and the future of global supply chains. The United States and its partners increasingly recognize Southeast Asia’s strategic importance, and CSIS research helps shape informed, forward-looking policy toward this vital region.

Photo: Shannon Yeung and Shawn Fok

Photo: Shannon Yeung and Shawn Fok

Troubled Straits: Analyzing Trade Chokepoints in the South China Sea

This CSIS brief offers groundbreaking insight into the value and types of goods flowing through eight different South China Sea chokepoints. The analysis reveals each country’s reliance on each chokepoint and challenges assumptions about their relative importance.

Brief by CSIS Scholars — July 1, 2026

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Experts

Gregory B. Poling

Gregory B. Poling

Director and Senior Fellow, Southeast Asia Program and Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative
Photo: CSIS

Kathryn Paik

Deputy Director and Senior Fellow, Australia Chair
Harrison Prétat

Harrison Prétat

Deputy Director and Fellow, Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative

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Sixteenth Annual South China Sea Conference

This full-day conference will feature keynote addresses and in-depth panel discussions on recent developments in disputed waters and the importance of the 10-year anniversary of the landmark South China Sea arbitration.

Event — July 7, 2026

Troubled Straits: Analyzing Trade Chokepoints in the South China Sea

This CSIS brief offers groundbreaking insight into the value and types of goods flowing through eight different South China Sea chokepoints. The analysis reveals each country’s reliance on each chokepoint and challenges assumptions about their relative importance.

Brief by CSIS Scholars — July 1, 2026

Southeast Asia Radio

Vietnam’s Evolving Foreign Policy with Le Hong Hiep

This week, Greg and Elina were joined by Le Hong Hiep to discuss recent developments in Vietnam’s foreign policy after To Lam’s visits to the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Patal and Japhet cover the latest developments, from corruption investigations in Indonesia and the Philippines to Chinese engagement in the region.

Podcast Episode by Gregory B. Poling, Elina Noor, Le Hong Hiep, and Japhet Quitzon — June 18, 2026

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio
Southeast Asia Radio

Trump-Xi Summit Outcomes for Southeast Asia with Amb. Edgard Kagan

On this episode, Greg and Elina were joined by Amb. Edgard Kagan to discuss what the recent Trump-Xi summit means for Southeast Asia. Lauren and Japhet cover the latest, from Indonesian export controls to Luzon Economic Corridor updates.

Podcast Episode by CSIS Scholars — June 5, 2026

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio
Southeast Asia Radio

Pacific Airwaves – Elections, Alliances, and Agency

John and Andreyka discuss recent elections, shifting foreign policy dynamics, and evolving regional engagement by the United States, Australia, and China.

Podcast Episode by John Augé and Andreyka Natalegawa — June 5, 2026

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio