Regions

Southeast Asia

All content regarding countries in Southeast Asia, including Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Past Events

Southeast Asia's Economic Outlook: A Roundtable with US Ambassadors

PAST EVENT

Join us for a conversation with US ambassadors to Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines to discuss Southeast Asia’s economic outlook and ASEAN’s role in the region.

Apr 25
A conversation with US ambassadors to Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines to discuss Southeast Asia’s economic outlook and ASEAN’s role in the region
Ana Miyares Photography

A Conversation with Matt Murray, US Senior Official for APEC

PAST EVENT

Matt Murray joins members of the Council community to discuss trade, investment, and economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

Jul 21
US VP Kamala Harris and Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha hold a Chalom during the closing of the 2022 APEC Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.
AP Photos
View all Past Events related to Southeast Asia

Commentary

What a Fragmented ASEAN Means for US-China Competition

Analysis
by Raymond C. Kuo

The Iran war’s ripple effects risk obscuring festering divisions within the Southeast Asian bloc—most notably its inability to develop a region-wide approach to Washington and Beijing.

A group photo during the opening ceremony of the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu, Philippines on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Aaron Favila / AP
Global Politics

Is the West Ready for an Asian Century?

Podcast
Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast

Has President Trump's second term accelerated the shift toward an Asian-led world order? Experts Kishore Mahbubani and Avinash Paliwal weigh in.

ASEAN
Jacqueline Hernandez / Pool via AP
Global Politics
View all Southeast Asia Commentary

Research

US, Japan, and South Korea Coordination Key to Competing in Southeast Asia

RESEARCH
Report by Coauthors

In picking fronts that offer the paths of least resistance, trilateral cooperation will maximize the presence of all three countries in ASEAN, maintaining balance in the region and making collective progress toward economic and development goals.

Ships from the United States and Jpa
US Navy
Defense and Security

Cooperating, Competing, Confronting: US-Japan-South Korea Trilateral Cooperation as China Rises

RESEARCH
Report by Coauthors

A report from the Task Force on Trilateral Cooperation Amid China’s Rise recommends a new policy mix that leverages each country’s individual strengths and advantages.

ships in the south china sea
REUTERS
US Foreign Policy
View all Southeast Asia Research

Experts

Paul Staniland 

Senior Nonresident Fellow, Asia Studies, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Headshot of Paul Staniland.
Expertise
South Asia
Southeast Asia
Defense and Security
Social Media
View all Southeast Asia Experts