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
Reinforcing Indonesia–Australia defence relations: The case for maritime recalibration
Analyses
Reinforcing Indonesia–Australia defence relations: The case for maritime recalibration
A maritime realignment of Australia–Indonesia defence relations could shape the broader Indo-Pacific security architecture and provide an additional strategic hedge for…
Indonesia's economy: Between growth and stability
Analyses
Indonesia's economy: Between growth and stability
Indonesia has much economic potential but the trade-off between growth and stability continues to bind its growth ambitions.
ASEAN–Australia relations: The suitable status quo
Analyses
ASEAN–Australia relations: The suitable status quo
Australia’s dialogue partner relationship with ASEAN is more suitable for Australian interests in Southeast Asia than the idea of ASEAN membership.
Getting Singapore in shape: Economic challenges and how to meet them
Analyses
Getting Singapore in shape: Economic challenges and how to meet them
Without bold adjustments, Singapore’s extraordinary economic performance may prove difficult to sustain.
Beyond access: Making Indonesia’s education system work
Analyses
Beyond access: Making Indonesia’s education system work
Indonesia’s education system is low in quality and the underlying causes are political.
The missing middle: A political economy of economic restructuring in Vietnam
Analyses
The missing middle: A political economy of economic restructuring in Vietnam
Despite impressive economic performance, Vietnam’s strong trade and investment gains have yet to fully overcome the vestiges of its economic past. Matthew Busch
US–Vietnam relations under President Trump
Analyses
US–Vietnam relations under President Trump
Under President Obama the bilateral relationship between the United States and Vietnam flourished. Despite some misgivings about the future direction of US policy in the region…
Autopilot: East Asia policy under Trump
Analyses
Autopilot: East Asia policy under Trump
Donald Trump has put US policy in East Asia on autopilot. But that could leave the United States far off course — and in a crisis, Trump will be required to fly the plane. Aaron…
Thailand’s triple threat
Analyses
Thailand’s triple threat
Thailand’s status as a relatively stable and predictable partner, in both business and geopolitical terms, is now imperilled (Photo: Getty Images/Borja Sanchez Trillo) …
Resource nationalism in post-boom Indonesia: The new normal?
Analyses
Resource nationalism in post-boom Indonesia: The new normal?
Most observers expected resource nationalism in Indonesia to fade once the global commodity boom ended. Yet despite more difficult economic circumstances, Indonesia’s government…
Australian Associated Press
21 April 2023
Australian Financial Review
21 April 2023
Agence France-Presse
20 April 2023
ABC RN Between The Lines
10 March 2023
ABC RN Counterpoint
6 March 2023
The Australian Financial Review
3 March 2023
The Jakarta Post
20 February 2023