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: TANG CHHIN Sothy / AFP via Getty Images

Photo: TANG CHHIN Sothy / AFP via Getty Images

Cambodia’s Scam Center Cleanup: Is It Working?

In the aftermath of 2025 Thailand-Cambodia border skirmishes, scam center operations in Cambodia has captured international attention. Cambodia has implemented new legislation, sweeping crackdowns, and international anti-scam coalition building. Are these efforts working?

Commentary by Japhet Quitzon — October 15, 2026

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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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Cambodia’s Scam Center Cleanup: Is It Working?

In the aftermath of 2025 Thailand-Cambodia border skirmishes, scam center operations in Cambodia has captured international attention. Cambodia has implemented new legislation, sweeping crackdowns, and international anti-scam coalition building. Are these efforts working?

Commentary by Japhet Quitzon — October 15, 2026

The Latest on Southeast Asia: One Step Forward and Two Steps Back for Myanmar

Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing met with Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur on October 7 to discuss the ongoing repatriation of Myanmar nationals. Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to Malaysia is the latest in a series of regional trips to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, and trips outside the region to China, Russia, and India, all in the last few months.

Blog Post by Japhet Quitzon and Gregory B. Poling — October 15, 2026

Understanding the Chinese-Language Media Landscape in Southeast Asia

There is no viable strategy for countering Chinese information warfare that does not involve buy-in from regional partners and an awareness of the scale, scope, and impact of Chinese-language media in Southeast Asia.

Report by Lauren Mai, Andreyka Natalegawa, Gregory B. Poling, and Japhet Quitzon — October 9, 2026