Southeast Asia

Research on Southeast Asia includes work on Myanmar, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Indonesia.

From the end of the Cold War until recently, US influence in Southeast Asia was huge. Now, with the rise of China, the region is entering a new era as it tackles issues of good governance, political reform and human rights.

Another key area of focus is the rising refugee crisis following intensified ‘clearance operations’ by the Myanmar military with estimates that more than 600,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh.

Other areas of interest include ongoing political reform in Myanmar and illegal logging in the region.

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While many in the region were unperturbed by his election, the US president’s disruptive approach threatens the open and predictable world in which Southeast Asia has flourished.

New Delhi and Jakarta share many development challenges and foreign policy objectives. But despite last week’s summit, there remain several challenges to realizing the full potential of the bilateral relationship.

Open access

Here’s what Chatham House’s experts will be keeping their eyes on in the year ahead

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The discovery of a new radar system on China’s Triton Island military base shows that Beijing is rapidly developing its intelligence capacities in contested waters, write John Pollock and Damien Symon.

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Recent land-fill operations have significantly expanded Vietnam’s presence in the contested Spratly Islands and risk escalating regional tensions, write John Pollock and Damien Symon.

solider carrying a gun emerges from red smoke

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A selection of potted reviews from our sister journal International Affairs, by its book reviews editor Mariana Vieira.

A violent clash between China’s coastguard and the Philippine Navy near an isolated reef has sparked fears of escalation. Will this tiny shoal bring US-China tensions to a head?

Indonesian dancers perform during the arrival of British Frigate HMS Richmond F239 at Jakarta International Container Terminal in Jakarta, Indonesia on 8 October 2021.

Although the next UK government will have to make many trade-offs, boosting ties with both the Indo-Pacific and Europe would be mutually reinforcing.

Following a power struggle within the Communist Party of Vietnam, it is clearer than ever that its new hard-line leadership has no interest in confrontation with China or being part of an ‘anti-China’ coalition.

Indonesians have voted in the ‘grandfather figure’ who was a former general in the Suharto dictatorship. Why?

Prabowo Subianto used the endorsement of the popular outgoing president to win power - but is unlikely to govern as Jokowi’s ‘proxy’.

Open access

Satellite images reveal the extent of a Chinese blockade to prevent the Philippines supplying its base on Second Thomas Shoal, write John Pollock and Damien Symon.

While the elections will demonstrate the vibrancy and resilience of Taiwan’s political system, no presidential candidate has a clear-cut answer for how to sustain its democracy and self-government long term.

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The former top American general tells Lynne O’Donnell about the threat of China, how Ukraine has changed warfare and why the West must focus on Africa.

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Beijing says its investment in Ream is for Cambodia’s navy – but the base would give it a strong foothold in the region, write John Pollock and Damien Symon.

As an emerging Asian middle power, Indonesia’s notion of international order is based on a commitment to democracy and a desire for autonomy in international politics.

Photograph of a Royal Australian Navy submarine, HMAS Rankin, off coast of Darin in September 2021

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The plan to supply Australia with nuclear-powered submarines has met with anger from China and fears that it sets a dangerous precedent, writes Mike Higgins.

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Progress in Thailand and Singapore contrasts with an anti-LGBTQ moral panic in Indonesia and the legal legacy of British imperial rule, writes Anthony Langlois.

The economic benefits are small, but the UK can use its membership of CPTPP to boost its global profile by influencing trade and international governance.

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New satellite imagery shows mysterious construction on an archipelago close to a strategic Indian navy outpost, write John Pollock and Damien Symon.

Animation showcasing how a collaborative approach between policy institutes in the Global South and Global North can improve forestry policy decisions.

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Two years after the coup, women are defying the generals’ misogyny by overturning gender stereotypes and mounting political and armed resistance, writes Zoya Phan.

Episode 13 of our weekly podcast focuses on the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, marking the two-year anniversary of the coup there by the Tatmadaw armed forces.

Indonesia won’t always see eye-to-eye with the West, or with China, which makes it an important balancing force in Asia.

A fruit vendor rides his cart past a banner for the G20 summit in Jakarta, Indonesia. Photo by ADEK BERRY/AFP via Getty Images.

Russia’s attack on Ukraine is the biggest challenge to the existence of the G20 since its foundation.

Afghans hail a vehicle to transport sacks of flour

Gareth Price examines the key factors contributing to the food crisis in Southeast Asia.

In the third of a series of interviews with the Queen Elizabeth II Academy faculty, Alex Cooley examines the challenges of reigning in kleptocratic networks.

Chatham House experts examine the implications for Taiwan, China and the United States of Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the island.

In the second of a series of interviews with the Queen Elizabeth II Academy Faculty, Jessica Cecil examines solutions to disinformation eroding trust in democratic leadership.

What does it take for diplomatic negotiations to be successful?

Exploring the evolution of China’s global role and US-China relations today

Research publications

Europe and the US recognize that their policies and strategies on the Indo-Pacific need to be more coherent. Existing structures such as the G7 and the Quad could become key forums for enhanced cooperation.

This paper examines how regional cooperation can boost efforts to achieve sustainable development and green growth in Asia.

China’s highly restrictive approach to online freedom of expression has not only intensified under COVID-19, the government is also increasingly trying to shape global online technology governance.

This paper explores the impacts of large-scale mining on forests, within this wider context of transition.

Critics of the BRI accuse China of pursuing a policy of ‘debt-trap diplomacy’: luring poor, developing countries into agreeing unsustainable loans to pursue infrastructure projects so that, when they experience financial difficulty, Beijing can seize the asset, thereby extending its strategic or military reach.

Aerial view of containers sitting stacked at Qingdao Port in the Shandong province of China. Photo by Han Jiajun/Visual China Group via Getty Images.

This paper explores a set of core trade-related issues affecting the food and land use system, and proposes constructive ways forward in reconfiguring the global trading system towards delivering a more sustainable and healthy diet for all.

Indonesia has an uncommon chance to bypass the negative trajectory of diets in other emerging economies and build a healthy and sustainable food system.

Event recordings

Secretary Manalo speaks on the Philippines’ response to regional and global security challenges.

What do the UK and Japan bring to the table on the CPTPP, and what are the implications for the trade liberalization agenda?

Experts discuss the possible outcomes of the February elections.

Experts discuss the impact on regional stability and international relations.

How can Southeast Asian governments manage growing US-China tensions and what can outside powers do to engage with the region more effectively?

Authors from the July issue of International Affairs discuss how Asian nations approach the liberal world order and US-China competition.

Can China and the US avoid an escalatory spiral while Taiwan maintains its de facto independence?

Tharman Shanmugaratnam, senior minister in Singapore and chair of the board of the Group of Thirty, discusses domestic and multilateral strategies to build resilience and optimism in an era of profound insecurity.

Authors from the May issue of International Affairs explore the strategies used by international organizations to gain legitimacy around the world.

How will new prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, govern Malaysia as it faces daunting challenges at home and abroad?

COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh is taking place at a time of geopolitical upheaval and a series of interlocking crises.

This International Affairs webinar delves into how three states have approached the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and what can be learned from this.

Experts discuss the complex relationships of the current South Pacific and AUKUS’s impact for Australia and the broader region.

As Asia-Pacific emerges from COVID-19, experts consider how policymakers can harness technology for inclusive economic growth.

After assuming presidency of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), the Bangladesh minister for foreign affairs discusses collaborative global climate action ahead of COP26.

Experts discuss emergent trends in Asia’s supply chains and trade relations.

Panellists discuss the drivers and impacts of the rise of disinformation and decline in press freedoms in Southeast Asia.

Speakers challenge the position that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a geopolitical strategy to ensnare countries in unsustainable debt and allow China undue influence.

Speakers examine the current situation of the Rohingya people and assess the threat that COVID-19 poses to the health and human rights of refugees and displaced people.