Lauren Mai

Program Coordinator and Research Assistant, Southeast Asia Program
Lauren Mai

Lauren Mai is a program coordinator and research assistant for the Southeast Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. She holds a BA in international relations (specializing in foreign policy and the Asia Pacific) and a BA in political science from Boston University. Prior to joining CSIS in 2023, Lauren spent two years at the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council, specializing in private-public sector engagement. Her research interests and expertise include U.S.-ASEAN relations, Vietnam, renewable energy, and climate policy.

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Southeast Asia Radio

USAID Shutdown Impacts with Michael Schiffer

Greg and Elina discuss the impact of shuttering USAID programs in Southeast Asia with Michael Schiffer. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest from the region, from Pete Hegseth’s visit to the Philippines to Timor Leste’s ASEAN membership bid.

Podcast Episode by Gregory B. Poling, Japhet Quitzon, and Lauren Mai — April 3, 2025

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio
Southeast Asia Radio

Vietnam’s “Era of National Rise” with Khang Vu

Greg and Elina talk with Khang Vu. They discuss Vietnam’s bureaucratic reforms and its declaration of an “Era of National Rise.”

Podcast Episode by Gregory B. Poling, Japhet Quitzon, and Lauren Mai — March 6, 2025

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio

The Latest on Southeast Asia: Trump’s Defense Alliances in Southeast Asia

Within the first 30 days of the second Trump administration, the United States has focused on its bilateral defense alliances in Southeast Asia, with U.S. secretary of defense Pete Hegseth holding phone calls with counterpart officials in the Philippines and Thailand. 

Blog Post by Lauren Mai — February 27, 2025

Southeast Asia Radio

China’s Myanmar Policy with Yun Sun

This week, Greg and Elina are joined by Yun Sun to discuss China’s policy in Myanmar. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest from the region, from Prabowo’s trips to India and Malaysia to Lunar New Year celebrations across Southeast Asia.

Podcast Episode by Gregory B. Poling, Japhet Quitzon, and Lauren Mai — February 6, 2025

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio

The Latest on Southeast Asia: Rubio and the South China Sea

In his first week on the job, Secretary of State Marco Rubio made maritime security and the South China Sea a central focus of discussions with Quad partners and three Southeast Asian nations.

Blog Post by Lauren Mai and Gregory B. Poling — January 30, 2025

Southeast Asia Radio

Lim Kimya and the Future of Cambodia with Sophal Ear

Greg is joined by Sophal Ear to discuss Cambodia’s future in the aftermath of the assassination of Lim Kimya.

Podcast Episode by Gregory B. Poling, Japhet Quitzon, and Lauren Mai — January 23, 2025

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio