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.

See all analysis on Southeast Asia

Latest Podcasts

See all podcast episodes on Southeast Asia

Recent Events

See all events on Southeast Asia

Related Programs

Experts

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

All Southeast Asia Content

Filter by

1 - 10 of 1306 results

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
Southeast Asia Radio

Pacific Airwaves - Rivalry, Resilience, and Regional Unity

Monica and Andreyka discuss great power rivalry in the Pacific, climate change, and domestic politics in Nauru and the Solomon Islands.

Podcast Episode by Andreyka Natalegawa and Monica Sato — October 30, 2025

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio

Aligning APEC Beyond Trade Turmoil

On October 31, Trump, Xi, and other regional leaders will convene for the APEC Summit. Amid renewed U.S.-China trade tensions, supply chain disruptions, and growing geoeconomic fragmentation, how can the region chart a path toward a more resilient future?

Commentary by Philip Luck and Richard Gray — October 24, 2025

The Latest on Southeast Asia: South China Sea Updates

Tensions between China and the Philippines have been elevated for more than two months in the South China Sea and show no signs of abating.

Blog Post by Julia Rocio Gatdula, Lauren Mai, and Gregory B. Poling — October 23, 2025

State of Play

Will U.S.-China tensions dominate the ASEAN summit?

Greg Poling and Henrietta Levin join guest host Catherine Nzuki to assess what’s at stake for Southeast Asia and whether U.S.–China tensions will overshadow the summit.

Podcast Episode by Catherine Nzuki, Gregory B. Poling, and Henrietta Levin — October 16, 2025

Photo: iLab/CSIS