The United States of America in Southeast Asia: A Conversation with DAS Melissa Brown

Published

Fulcrum editor and Co-Coordinator of Indonesia Studies Programme Julia Lau discusses the United States' role and policies in Southeast Asia with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Melissa Brown, the day after her public address at ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute on 13 March 2024.

Fulcrum editor and Co-Coordinator of Indonesia Studies Programme Julia Lau discusses the United States’ role and policies in Southeast Asia with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Melissa Brown, the day after her public address at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute on 13 March 2024.

Ms Melissa Brown (right) with podcast host Ms Julia Lau at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute on 14 March 2024. (Photo: U.S. Embassy in Singapore)

Dialogues at Fulcrum is a podcast published by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. For quick reference, the themes below were discussed:

1:23 – Sino-U.S. relations

3:20 – U.S.-ASEAN cooperation

4:33 – U.S.-Singapore relations

6:04 – Regional architecture and ‘minilaterals’

10:15 – U.S. presence in the region amidst a more uncertain world

16:30 – Southeast Asia’s reaction to U.S. policy on Palestine after the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel

22:37 – The U.S.’ economic engagement in the region 

33:12 – DAS Brown reflects on her career and experiences as a diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service 

Melissa A. Brown is Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs of the U.S. Department of State.