Southeast Asia Program

The CSIS Southeast Asia Program is the premier forum for sustained high-level policy dialogue focusing on Southeast Asia and U.S. interests in the region

The Southeast Asia Program provides policy recommendations and support for U.S.–Southeast Asia relations and builds political, economic, and people-to-people ties between the United States and Southeast Asian countries.

In this effort, the Southeast Asia Program:

  • Raises the level of focus on Southeast Asia through educating, enlightening, and making regional issues and leaders more accessible to a U.S. audience.
  • Broadens the constituency of active and interested parties in the United States that are engaged in the policy dialogue on Southeast Asia.
  • Develops a strong foundation of research-based knowledge to encourage dynamic policy dialogue in support of sound security, economic, human rights, and people-to-people policies toward Southeast Asia.
  • Attracts the world’s most talented and knowledgeable researchers and thinkers to contribute to the CSIS Southeast Asia Program.

Meet Our Experts

Meet our network of experts, staff, and non-resident affiliates. 

Gregory B. Poling

Contact Information

Media Queries

Latest

Photo: Planet Observer/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Photo: Planet Observer/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Navigating the Divide: Why the U.S. Navy Must Resume FONOPs in Indonesia

For nearly a decade, the U.S. has quietly acquiesced to Indonesia’s restrictive maritime claims to avoid diplomatic friction. This policy has failed. To prevent a catastrophic loss of access during a future crisis, the U.S. Navy must resume targeted Freedom of Navigation Operations.

Commentary by Patrick Panjeti — December 11, 2025

Featured

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio

Southeast Asia Radio

Greg Poling, Elina Noor, and Japhet Quitzon highlight the most important news from Southeast Asia and dive into candid conversations with leading voices on the region and U.S. foreign policy.

View Podcast Series

All Southeast Asia Program Content

Filter by

1 - 10 of 1070 results

Navigating the Divide: Why the U.S. Navy Must Resume FONOPs in Indonesia

For nearly a decade, the U.S. has quietly acquiesced to Indonesia’s restrictive maritime claims to avoid diplomatic friction. This policy has failed. To prevent a catastrophic loss of access during a future crisis, the U.S. Navy must resume targeted Freedom of Navigation Operations.

Commentary by Patrick Panjeti — December 11, 2025

Southeast Asia Radio

Energy Transitions and Climate Developments in Southeast Asia with Jenny Schuch-Page

Greg and Elina are joined by Jenny Schuch-Page to discuss regional energy transitions and climate developments after COP 30. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest from the region, from SCS naval drills to multifaceted cooperation from unlikely partners.

Podcast Episode by Gregory B. Poling, Lauren Mai, and Japhet Quitzon — December 4, 2025

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio

The Latest on Southeast Asia: Thailand-Cambodia Tensions Continue

Thailand on November 10 suspended  the tenuous Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire agreement signed in July and reinforced during the ASEAN Summit in October. Authorities recommended the “indefinite suspension” of the ceasefire after a Thai soldier was seriously injured in a landmine explosion on the contested border.

Blog Post by Japhet Quitzon and Gregory B. Poling — November 21, 2025

The Latest on Southeast Asia: Hegseth’s Charm Offensive

U.S. president Donald Trump’s visit to Malaysia during the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit late last month signaled U.S. attention to a region wary of Washington’s intentions. Trade was the focus during the president’s trip but a few days later security took center stage as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth arrived in Malaysia for the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM+). 

Blog Post by Japhet Quitzon and Gregory B. Poling — November 6, 2025

Southeast Asia Radio

Trump at ASEAN with Brian Eyler and Prashanth Parameswaran

Greg and Elina are joined by Prashanth Parameswaran and Brian Eyler to discuss recent summits across the Indo-Pacific, including the ASEAN and East Asia Summits.

Podcast Episode by Gregory B. Poling, Japhet Quitzon, and Lauren Mai — October 30, 2025

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio