Lauren Mai

Program Manager and Research Associate, Southeast Asia Program
Lauren Mai

Lauren Mai is a program manager and research associate for the Southeast Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. She holds an MS in environment and international affairs from the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. Lauren also 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 in the sustainability and energy sectors. Her research interests and expertise include U.S.-ASEAN relations, renewable energy, and climate policy.

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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

Japan’s Southeast Asia Policy with Kristi Govella

This week, Greg and Elina were joined by Kristi Govella to talk about Japan’s foreign policy direction in Southeast Asia under PM Takaichi Sanae. Lauren and Japhet cover the latest, from prisoner releases in Myanmar to joint military exercises in the Philippines.

Podcast Episode by CSIS Scholars — May 21, 2026

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio
Southeast Asia Radio

Indonesia’s Evolving Foreign Policy with Evan Laksmana

This week, Greg and Elina are joined by Evan Laksmana to discuss the direction of Indonesia’s foreign policy. Lauren and Japhet cover the latest from the region, from the Strait of Malacca to scam networks.

Podcast Episode by CSIS Scholars — May 7, 2026

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio
Southeast Asia Radio

Evolving Southeast Asian Perspectives of the United States with Adrian Ang

This week, Greg and Elina are joined by Dr. Adrian Ang to discuss regional perceptions of the United States in the aftermath of the ongoing conflict with Iran. Lauren and Japhet cover the latest, from Prabowo’s international engagements to regional shifts in biofuel production.

Podcast Episode by Gregory B. Poling, Lauren Mai, Japhet Quitzon, and Elina Noor — April 24, 2026

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio
Southeast Asia Radio

Domestic Politics Updates in Malaysia with Asrul Sani

This week, Greg is joined by Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani to discuss the latest updates from Malaysian domestic politics in the aftermath of a “corporate mafia” political scandal. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest, from Myanmar’s leadership changes to tech investments in Thailand.

Podcast Episode by Gregory B. Poling, Japhet Quitzon, Lauren Mai, and Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani — April 9, 2026

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio
Southeast Asia Radio

Border War, Scam Centers, and Cambodian Politics

This week, Greg is joined by Sophal Ear to discuss Cambodian domestic politics and the Hun Manet government’s push against scam centers. Lauren and Japhet cover the latest in the region, from government turmoil in Malaysia to airstrikes in Myanmar. 

Podcast Episode by Gregory B. Poling, Japhet Quitzon, Lauren Mai, and Japhet Quitzon — March 13, 2026

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio