The Latest on Southeast Asia

The CSIS biweekly update on Southeast Asia brings you cutting edge analysis of the latest political, economic, and security trends in the region.

All The Latest on Southeast Asia Blog Posts

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The Latest on Southeast Asia: Regional Tariff Turmoil Continues

Malaysian trade minister Johari Abdul Ghani declared on March 15 that his country’s Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with the United States has been rendered “null and void” following the U.S. Supreme Court’s February 20 decision striking down the Trump administration’s worldwide tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. 

Blog Post by Japhet Quitzon and Gregory B. Poling — March 19, 2026

The Latest on Southeast Asia: Southeast Asia Reacts to the Iran War

Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) issued a joint statement on March 4 calling for an immediate ceasefire following the U.S.-Israeli surprise strikes on Iran and the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Blog Post by Lauren Mai and Gregory B. Poling — March 5, 2026

The Latest on Southeast Asia: Myanmar Election Aftermath

Myanmar state media on January 30 reported that, as expected, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) ran away with the regime’s carefully choreographed elections.

Blog Post by Gregory B. Poling and Lauren Mai — February 5, 2026

The Latest on Southeast Asia: The 2nd Cambodia-Thailand Ceasefire

Cambodia and Thailand agreed to a new ceasefire on December 27 after weeks of deadly border clashes. The latest round of the conflict that began in July displaced more than 500,000 citizens on both sides of the border and killed at least 100 people. 

Blog Post by Japhet Quitzon and Gregory B. Poling — January 8, 2026

The Latest on Southeast Asia: Thailand-Cambodia Tensions Continue

Thailand on November 10 suspended  the tenuous Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire agreement signed in July and reinforced during the ASEAN Summit in October. Authorities recommended the “indefinite suspension” of the ceasefire after a Thai soldier was seriously injured in a landmine explosion on the contested border.

Blog Post by Japhet Quitzon and Gregory B. Poling — November 21, 2025

The Latest on Southeast Asia: Hegseth’s Charm Offensive

U.S. president Donald Trump’s visit to Malaysia during the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit late last month signaled U.S. attention to a region wary of Washington’s intentions. Trade was the focus during the president’s trip but a few days later security took center stage as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth arrived in Malaysia for the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM+). 

Blog Post by Japhet Quitzon and Gregory B. Poling — November 6, 2025