Monica Sato

Research Associate, Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative
5Sato

Monica Michiko Sato is a research associate for the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). She holds an MA in security studies from the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. Prior to her time at AMTI, she worked for the Atlantic Council’s Asia Security Initiative, CSIS’s Southeast Asia Program, and the Albert del Rosario Institute for Strategic and International Studies. Born and raised in the Philippines, Monica graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University with a BA in diplomacy and international relations, specializing in East and Southeast Asia. Her research interests include maritime security, environmental impacts of state activities in the South China Sea, and U.S.-ASEAN relations.

Programs & Projects

All Monica Sato Content

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Southeast Asia Radio

Pacific Airwaves - Missile Tests and Mutual Defense

Andreyka and Monica discuss China's missile test, shifting Pacific security dynamics, and the latest regional developments. This episode was recorded on August 3, 2026.

Podcast Episode by Andreyka Natalegawa and Monica Sato — August 6, 2026

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio
Southeast Asia Radio

Pacific Airwaves – New Leadership, New Currents

Andreyka and Monica discuss Prime Minister Matthew Wale's foreign policy, ocean governance, and other regional updates. This episode was recorded on June 29, 2026.

Podcast Episode by Andreyka Natalegawa and Monica Sato — July 2, 2026

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio
Southeast Asia Radio

Pacific Airwaves – Disruption, Disasters, and Dynamics

John and Monica discuss how the Iran war is affecting the region, recent natural disasters, and domestic political dynamics across the Pacific.

This episode was recorded on April 28, 2026. 

Podcast Episode by John Augé and Monica Sato — April 30, 2026

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio

No One, Not Even Beijing, Is Getting Through the Strait of Hormuz

As war chokes off traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, Chinese ships are not getting special treatment. New ship-tracking data shows Chinese vessels have largely halted transits, underscoring Beijing’s exposure to instability in a region critical to its energy security.

Commentary by Harrison Prétat, Monica Sato, Aidan Powers-Riggs, and Matthew P. Funaiole — March 6, 2026

Audio Briefs

No One, Not Even Beijing, Is Getting Through the Strait of Hormuz

An audio version of “⁠No One, Not Even Beijing, Is Getting Through the Strait of Hormuz⁠,” a new Commentary by Harrison Prétat, Monica Sato, Aidan Powers-Riggs, and Matthew P. Funaiole. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Harrison Prétat, Monica Sato, Aidan Powers-Riggs, and Matthew P. Funaiole — March 6, 2026

Audio Briefs
Southeast Asia Radio

Pacific Airwaves - Politics and Power in the Pacific

John and Monica discuss ocean governance, China’s growing influence in the region, and domestic political dynamics across the Pacific.

Podcast Episode by Monica Sato and John Augé — February 26, 2026

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio
Audio Briefs

Rhetoric vs. Reality: The Philippines, ASEAN, and the South China Sea

An audio version of “⁠Rhetoric vs. Reality: The Philippines, ASEAN, and the South China Sea⁠,” a new Commentary by CSIS’s Monica Sato. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Monica Sato — November 7, 2025

Audio Briefs