ARTICLES

3 Apr 2025

The State of Southeast Asia Survey 2025

Taking Southeast Asia’s Pulse on Geopolitics

Sharon Seah

Some Southeast Asians appear to have warmed to Trump. This could be based on the assessment that his policies might not harm the region as much.

9 Oct 2024

US Not Walking the Talk in Southeast Asia

Joanne Lin

President Joe Biden is, once again, not attending the ASEAN-US Summit. Though this is understandable given the upcoming election, the US seems to be losing ground in Southeast Asia amid growing Chinese influence.

ASEAN Summit Southeast Asia State of Southeast Asia Survey US

20 May 2024

The State of Southeast Asia Survey

Why the Russia-Ukraine War Continues to Fret Southeast Asia

Ian Storey

Despite the Russia-Ukraine war’s geographical distance from Southeast Asia, the conflict continues to be a major concern for the region’s elite, especially in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

ASEAN ASEAN-Russia Relations International Relations Russia State of Southeast Asia Survey

26 Apr 2024

The State of Southeast Asia Survey

State of Southeast Asia Survey 2024: Indonesia Doubling Down on ASEAN and Japan

Indira Zahra Aridati|Julia Lau

Compared to a year ago, Indonesians seem to view ASEAN and Japan more favourably. The Israel-Hamas conflict is a significant factor for declining trust in other powers but economics and soft power can also explain interesting fluctuations in their perceptions.

ASEAN European Union Indonesia Japan State of Southeast Asia Survey

15 Apr 2024

The State of Southeast Asia Survey

State of Southeast Asia Survey 2024: ASEAN’s Rise to Leadership Amid Global Uncertainties

Melinda Martinus

The report card for ASEAN according to the latest State of Southeast Asia Survey is mixed, but in a difficult global climate, the regional organisation is seen to be making progress even as several areas need improvement.

International Relations International Trade Regional Cooperation State of Southeast Asia Survey

9 Apr 2024

The State of Southeast Asia Survey

State of Southeast Asia Survey 2024: Taking the Region’s Pulse on the Israel-Hamas Conflict

Joanne Lin

As the Israel-Hamas war passes its six-month mark, regional sentiments can only get more complex and wield more potential to stir up division within and across ASEAN countries.

International Relations Southeast Asia State of Southeast Asia Survey

5 Apr 2024

The State of Southeast Asia Survey

Uncovering ASEAN Private Sector Sentiments on Their Choice of Strategic Economic Partner

Kristina Fong Siew Leng

A deep dive into private sector sentiments can yield some insight into ASEAN’s preferred economic partner of choice.

ASEAN China China-U.S. Relations E.U. Japan State of Southeast Asia Survey U.S.

3 Apr 2024

The State of Southeast Asia Survey

Navigating China’s Influence: Insights from the State of Southeast Asia 2024 Survey

Joanne Lin

Southeast Asians recognise China’s burgeoning influence in the region, but there are nuances to the geopolitical dynamics. The region needs to manage its relationship with the rising global power; China needs to address the lack of confidence that it will "do the right thing”.

ASEAN ASEAN-China Relations China State of Southeast Asia Survey

2 Apr 2024

The State of Southeast Asia Survey

Choosing China over the U.S.: Neither a Tidal Shift Nor a Sea Change

Sharon Seah

The U.S. was ASEAN’s preferred major power to align with since the 2020 State of Southeast Asia survey. But this year, more respondents are leaning toward China than the U.S. Southeast Asia may remain engaged with the U.S. while harbouring apprehensions towards China, but the tide may be shifting.

China Southeast Asia State of Southeast Asia Survey U.S.

1 Jun 2023

Southeast Asian Views on the United States: Perceptions Versus Objective Reality

Lee Sue-Ann

5-year data trends from the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute’s State of Southeast Asia annual survey suggest that ASEAN countries have remained ambivalent about the US’ regional leadership role on multiple fronts. While there is still a reservoir of goodwill towards the US in the region, this is being depleted in some countries and cannot be taken for granted.

State of Southeast Asia Survey U.S.-ASEAN Relations