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
Deputy Research Director and Program Director for Southeast Asia
Former Director of Research
Senior Fellow, Southeast Asia Program
Research Fellow, Southeast Asia Program
Nonresident Fellow
Asia Power Index 2025 - Key Findings Report
Report
Asia Power Index 2025 - Key Findings Report
In-depth analysis and insight into the changing power distribution in Asia and its geopolitical consequences.
Asia Power Index 2025
Interactive
Asia Power Index 2025
The 2025 Asia Power Index shows a region in flux. Explore the most comprehensive assessment of the changing distribution of power in Asia to date.
Trump’s Week in Asia: Gifts, Deals, and Submarines
Commentary
Trump’s Week in Asia: Gifts, Deals, and Submarines
Originally published in War on the Rocks
Southeast Asia Influence Index - Key Findings Report
Report
Southeast Asia Influence Index - Key Findings Report
The Southeast Asia Influence Index maps the landscape of geopolitical influence in this crucial region. Building on an existing body of data-driven research by the Lowy Institute,…
Southeast Asia Influence Index
Interactive
Southeast Asia Influence Index
Explore our world-first data ranking geopolitical influence across the eleven countries of Southeast Asia.
Hard New World
Commentary
Hard New World
Originally published in the Quarterly Essay
Trump tariffs drive  Southeast Asia towards China
Commentary
Trump tariffs drive Southeast Asia towards China
Originally published in East Asia Forum
The Australian Financial Review
2 June 2025
Channel News Asia
29 May 2025
The Sydney Morning Herald
13 May 2025