Programs & Projects

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

Commentary
Is China Replacing the US as Thailand's Main Security Partner?
Originally posted in The Diplomat

Commentary
Myanmar's military stares at defeat as rebel forces go on the offensive
Originally posted on Channel News Asia

Commentary
China's grip on Southeast Asia tightens as U.S. influence wanes
Originally published in Nikkei Asia

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…

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.

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…
The Guardian
5 June 2023
CNBC
23 May 2023
Channel NewsAsia
19 May 2023
CNN.com
17 May 2023
CNN.com
15 May 2023
Philippine Daily Inquirer
6 January 2025