Programs & Projects

The Southeast Asia Program

The Southeast Asia Program

The Southeast Asia Program aims to explain the latest developments in this vital region, inform and influence policymakers, and help build connections across countries and sectors. At a time of intensifying great-power competition in the region, it is more important than ever to understand the diverse nations of Southeast Asia in their own right and how they interact with each other and outside states. We organise regular events, roundtables and online engagements with leading policymakers and experts focusing on Southeast Asia. We also contribute to the Lowy Institute’s core research publications.

Experts
Latest publications
News and media
Director, Southeast Asia Program
Director of Research
Lowy Institute Lead Economist; Director, Indo-Pacific Development Centre
Senior Fellow, Southeast Asia Program
Research Fellow, Southeast Asia Program
Nonresident Fellow
Is China Replacing the US as Thailand's Main Security Partner?
Commentary
Is China Replacing the US as Thailand's Main Security Partner?
Originally posted in The Diplomat
China's grip on Southeast Asia tightens as U.S. influence wanes
Commentary
China's grip on Southeast Asia tightens as U.S. influence wanes
Originally published in Nikkei Asia
Conversations: Vietnam’s foreign policy outlook
Podcasts
Conversations: Vietnam’s foreign policy outlook
In this episode of Conversations, Susannah Patton, Director of the Lowy Institute’s Southeast Asia Program, talks with Dr Nguyen Hung Son, Vice President of the Diplomatic…
Malaysian politics after the election - what to expect from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim?
Podcasts
Malaysian politics after the election - what to expect from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim?
In this episode of Conversations, Susannah Patton talks to Amrita Malhi about the political outlook for Malaysia following the November general election. 
Conversations: The South China Sea - Has the United States lost to China?
Podcasts
Conversations: The South China Sea - Has the United States lost to China?
Susannah Patton talks to Greg Poling, Director of the Southeast Asia Program and Director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Center for Strategic and…
Jagged sphere
Analyses
Jagged sphere
China’s quest for infrastructure and influence in mainland Southeast Asia
Sky News
17 November 2023
ABC RN Late Night Live
13 November 2023
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
8 November 2023