Southeast Asia Radio
CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies
CSIS’ Greg Poling, Japhet Quitzon, and Lauren Mai, joined by Elina Noor, Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, highlight the most important news from Southeast Asia and dive into candid conversations with leading voices on the region and U.S. foreign policy. We’ll cover everything you want to know about Southeast Asia. Geopolitics in the region? Recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic? Democracy and human rights? Nothing is off limits! So join us for “Southeast Asia Radio” every other Thursday, wherever you get your podcasts.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 13, 2025 • 34min
Unpacking the CSIS Global Alignment Index with Susannah Patton
In this discussion, Susannah Patton, Deputy Research Director at the Lowy Institute, shares her insights on the upcoming Global Alignment Index. She reveals that the U.S. and China are more evenly matched in influence than previously thought. The conversation covers the methodology behind measuring public opinion and UN voting patterns since 2008. They explore Russia's limited economic role in Southeast Asia and its surprising influence dynamics. Additionally, Susannah highlights how trade and investment shape shifting alignments, especially amidst global events like Ukraine and Gaza.
Oct 30, 2025 • 11min
Pacific Airwaves - Rivalry, Resilience, and Regional Unity
Monica and Andreyka discuss great power rivalry in the Pacific, climate change, and domestic politics in Nauru and the Solomon Islands.
Oct 30, 2025 • 41min
Trump at ASEAN with Brian Eyler and Prashanth Parameswaran
Greg and Elina are joined by Prashanth Parameswaran and Brian Eyler to discuss recent summits across the Indo-Pacific, including the ASEAN and East Asia Summits. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest from the region, from mass scam operations in Cambodia to Myanmar’s upcoming general elections.
Oct 16, 2025 • 38min
Quick Deals, Lasting Dread: Trump 2.0 in Southeast Asia with Greg Poling
Greg and Elina discuss Greg’s section of the recent CSIS compendium, “Navigating Disruption: Ally and Partner Responses to U.S. Foreign Policy.” Japhet and Lauren cover the latest from the region, from protests to contaminated shrimp.
Oct 2, 2025 • 30min
Thai Politics Update with Ken Mathis Lohatepanont
Greg and Elina are joined by Ken Mathis Lohatepanont to discuss the latest updates from Thailand, including the new Bhumjaithai-led government, the fate of the Shinawatras, and the snap elections scheduled in 4 months.
Sep 18, 2025 • 23min
Myanmar Conflict Update with Su Mon Thant
Greg and Elina are joined by Su Mon Thant, Asia-Pacific Senior Analyst at ACLED, to discuss current events in Myanmar including the state of the battlefield and the upcoming elections in December.
Sep 4, 2025 • 13min
Pacific Airwaves – Forums, Fishing, and Foreign Investment
Andreyka and John discuss the Pacific Islands Forum, U.S. engagement in the region, and Nauru’s Chinese investment deal.
Sep 4, 2025 • 28min
Malaysia's Foreign and Domestic Policy Landscape with Shahril Hamdan
Greg and Elina are joined by Shahril Hamdan to discuss the most recent developments in Malaysian domestic politics, as well as Malaysia's foreign policy during its ASEAN chair year.
Aug 21, 2025 • 30min
Regional Development Financing with Scott Morris
Greg is joined by Scott Morris, Asian Development Bank Vice President for East and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific, to discuss the evolving nature of development finance within the region. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest from the region, from collisions in the South China Sea to Singapore National Day.
Aug 7, 2025 • 36min
Trade Developments in Southeast Asia with Barbara Weisel
Greg and Elina are joined by Barbara Weisel to discuss developments in trade within the region. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest from the region, from updates on Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment to Laos' engagement with Russia.
