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.

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21 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes21

Newest first

Yesterday · 12 min
Pacific Airwaves - Missile Tests and Mutual Defense
Andreyka and Monica discuss China's missile test, shifting Pacific security dynamics, and the latest regional developments. This episode was recorded on August 3, 2026.
July 31 · 33 min
Sara Duterte’s Impeachment and Philippine Politics with Regine Cabato
This week, Greg is joined by Regine Cabato to cover the latest in Philippine domestic politics, including Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial in the Senate. Lauren and Japhet cover the latest in the region, from Indonesia’s financial outlook to Japanese engagement within the region.
July 16 · 27 min
Southeast Asia’s Strategic Alignment Future with Prashanth Parameswaran
This week, Greg and Elina are joined by Prashanth Parameswaran to discuss his new book on the future of Southeast Asia’s strategic alignment amid U.S.-China rivalry. Lauren and Sebastian cover the latest in the region, from Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial to region-wide efforts against illegal drugs.
July 2 · 37 min
Southeast Asian Responses to U.S.-China Conflict with Natalie Sambhi and Bich Tran
This week, Greg was joined by Natalie Sambhi and Bich Tran to discuss their new report on the factors that would shape Southeast Asian responses to potential U.S.-China conflict. Lauren and Japhet cover the latest from Vietnam’s bamboo diplomacy to the latest updates on scam centers.
July 2 · 12 min
Pacific Airwaves – New Leadership, New Currents
Andreyka and Monica discuss Prime Minister Matthew Wale's foreign policy, ocean governance, and other regional updates. This episode was recorded on June 29, 2026.
June 18 · 32 min
Vietnam’s Evolving Foreign Policy with Le Hong Hiep
This week, Greg and Elina were joined by Le Hong Hiep to discuss recent developments in Vietnam’s foreign policy after To Lam’s visits to the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Patal and Japhet cover the latest developments, from corruption investigations in Indonesia and the Philippines to Chinese engagement in the region.
June 5 · 12 min
Pacific Airwaves – Elections, Alliances, and Agency
John and Andreyka discuss recent elections, shifting foreign policy dynamics, and evolving regional engagement by the United States, Australia, and China.
June 5 · 37 min
Trump-Xi Summit Outcomes for Southeast Asia with Amb. Edgard Kagan
On this episode, Greg and Elina were joined by Amb. Edgard Kagan to discuss what the recent Trump-Xi summit means for Southeast Asia. Lauren and Japhet cover the latest, from Indonesian export controls to Luzon Economic Corridor updates.
May 21 · 34 min
Japan’s Southeast Asia Policy with Kristi Govella
This week, Greg and Elina were joined by Kristi Govella to talk about Japan’s foreign policy direction in Southeast Asia under PM Takaichi Sanae. Lauren and Japhet cover the latest, from prisoner releases in Myanmar to joint military exercises in the Philippines.
May 7 · 35 min
Indonesia’s Evolving Foreign Policy with Evan Laksmana
This week, Greg and Elina are joined by Evan Laksmana to discuss the direction of Indonesia’s foreign policy. Lauren and Japhet cover the latest from the region, from the Strait of Malacca to scam networks.
April 30 · 10 min
Pacific Airwaves – Disruption, Disasters, and Dynamics
John and Monica discuss how the Iran war is affecting the region, recent natural disasters, and domestic political dynamics across the Pacific.
April 24 · 32 min
Evolving Southeast Asian Perspectives of the United States with Adrian Ang
This week, Greg and Elina are joined by Dr. Adrian Ang to discuss regional perceptions of the United States in the aftermath of the ongoing conflict with Iran. Lauren and Japhet cover the latest, from Prabowo’s international engagements to regional shifts in biofuel production.
April 9 · 30 min
Domestic Politics Updates in Malaysia with Asrul Sani
This week, Greg is joined by Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani to discuss the latest updates from Malaysian domestic politics in the aftermath of a “corporate mafia” political scandal. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest, from Myanmar’s leadership changes to tech investments in Thailand.
April 1 · 8 min
Pacific Airwaves - Investment, Influence, and Power Politics
John and Andreyka discuss the U.S.–Pacific Investment Summit, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau’s travel throughout the region, and domestic politics across the Pacific.
March 26 · 26 min
Laos National Assembly Outcomes with Murray Hiebert
This week, Greg and Elina are joined by Murray Hiebert to unpack the latest from Laos’ National Assembly and the country’s future direction. Patal and Japhet cover the latest from the region, from energy crises to Thai politics.
March 12 · 27 min
Border War, Scam Centers, and Cambodian Politics
This week, Greg is joined by Sophal Ear to discuss Cambodian domestic politics and the Hun Manet government’s push against scam centers. Lauren and Japhet cover the latest in the region, from government turmoil in Malaysia to airstrikes in Myanmar.
February 26 · 12 min
Pacific Airwaves - Politics and Power in the Pacific
John and Monica discuss ocean governance, China’s growing influence in the region, and domestic political dynamics across the Pacific.
February 26 · 29 min
Tariff Ruling and US-ASEAN Trade with Amb. Brian McFeeters
Greg and Elina are joined by Amb. Brian McFeeters to discuss U.S.-ASEAN trade in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s IEEPA ruling and the recently concluded U.S.-Indonesia trade deal. Japhet and Lois cover the latest from the region, from the Board of Peace to Sara Duterte’s 2028 presidential bid.
February 12 · 29 min
Indonesia’s Market Turmoil with Mehu Sitepu
Greg and Elina are joined by Mehu Sitepu to discuss the latest updates on Indonesia’s economy, foreign policy, and domestic policy. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest from the region.
January 29 · 23 min
Vietnam 14th National Party Congress with Alex Vuving
Greg and Elina are joined by Alex Vuving to discuss the outcomes of Vietnam’s 14th National Party Congress.