Southeast Asia Radio

Greg and Elina unpack the aftermath of Gen. Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s passing in Vietnam with Alex Vuving. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest: from the region’s Olympic representation to digital regulation.

Monica and Andreyka discuss the 10th Pacific Island Leaders Meeting, New Zealand’s engagements with the Solomon Islands, U.S.-China competition in Vanuatu, and other domestic and regional developments.

This week, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Ely Ratner delivers his remarks from our 14th Annual South China Sea Conference. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest from the region: from delays in Nusantara to updates on POGOs in the Philippines.

Greg and Elina discuss ongoing tensions in the South China Sea with Jay Batongbacal. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest: from orangutan diplomacy to cyberattacks in Indonesia.

Monica and Andreyka discuss Vanuatu’s constitutional changes, New Zealand and U.S. engagement with the Pacific Islands, Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Australia and New Zealand, and other domestic and regional developments.

On the season finale of Southeast Asia Radio Season 2, Greg and Elina answer your questions! Japhet and Lauren cover the latest from the region.

On the final episode of Southeast Asia Radio Season 2, Greg and Elina discuss the latest developments in Thailand with Thitinan Pongsudhirak. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest from the region.

Monica and Andreyka discuss the landslide in Papua New Guinea, deadly riots in New Caledonia over electoral reforms, the collapse of Air Vanuatu, Australia’s engagements with the new Solomon Islands government and Tuvalu, and other domestic and regional developments. 

On this episode of Southeast Asia Radio, Greg chats with Murray Hiebert about recent political developments in Vietnam. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest in the region.

Greg and Elina chat with Chong Ja Ian about Singapore under Lawrence Wong’s premiership. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest from the region.

Greg and Elina chat with July Amador about recent developments in the U.S.-Philippine alliance. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest from the region.

Greg and Elina are joined by Andreyka Natalegawa to discuss trends in perceptions of the U.S. and China in the region. Japhet and Lauren cover Eid celebrations across Southeast Asia, Hun Sen as Cambodia’s new Senate president, Thailand’s proposal for a Schengen-style visa system, and more.

Monica and Andreyka discuss the passage of COFA funding legislation and request for more Guam defense system funding in the U.S., Wang Yi’s visit to New Zealand, election updates from the Solomon Islands, a torture incident in West Papua, and other domestic and regional developments. 

Greg and Elina talk with Nyantha Lin about recent developments in Myanmar. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest from the region.

Greg and Elina talk with Kathryn Paik about the recent ASEAN-Australia Special Summit. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest from the region.

Greg chats with Elina about her latest report on undersea cables in Southeast Asia. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest from the region.

Harrison and Andreyka discuss Tuvalu’s election results, unrest in Papua New Guinea, campaigning in the Solomon Islands, the Cook Islands’ new deputy PM, diplomatic moves by New Zealand, China, and Japan, and stalled COFA funding in the United States.

Greg and Elina are joined by Yohanes Sulaiman to discuss the key takeaways of the February 14 Indonesian national elections. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest from the region.

Greg and Elina chat with Sapna Chadha about the e-Conomy SEA 2023 report from Google, Temasek, and Bain. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest from the region.

Monica and Andreyka discuss Pacific reactions to Taiwan's general election, Maori backlash against the Luxon government, Marshall Islands elections, and other domestic updates from the region.

Greg and Elina talk with Japhet Quitzon about the Southeast Asia Program’s upcoming report on U.S.-Philippines- Japan alliance coordination on maritime disputes and potential Taiwan contingencies.

Greg and Elina chat with Monica Sato and Harrison Prétat about their latest digital report on environmental degradation in the South China Sea. Japhet is joined by Tappy Lung, research intern for the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS, to cover the latest from the region.

Greg and Elina kick off the holiday season with a special episode, answering questions from our dedicated listeners. Japhet is joined by Karen Lee, former Research Associate for the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS, to cover the latest from the region.

Monica and Andreyka discuss New Zealand’s new government, Australian defense updates, China-Pacific police cooperation, the Blue Pacific Prosperity initiative at COP28, Marshall Islands elections, and Chinese aid to Kiribati.

Greg and Elina discuss Southeast Asian countries’ responses to the Hamas-Israel Conflict. Lauren Mai is joined by Corey Donnelly, Research Intern for the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS, to cover the latest from the region.

Greg and Elina discuss the latest in Myanmar with Lucas Myers, Senior Associate for the Southeast Asia Program at the Wilson Center. Japhet is joined by Amanda Greenberger from Lockheed Martin to cover the latest from the region.

Monica and Andreyka talk about the Pacific’s positions on the Israel-Hamas War, coalition formation in New Zealand, Australian Prime Minister Albanese’s visits to Washington and Beijing, the Falepili Union, and the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum summit.

On this special crossover with the Trade Guys, Greg Poling joins Bill Reinsch and Scott Miller to discuss the state of IPEF negotiations, the APEC summit, and the Biden-Xi meeting.

Greg and Elina chat with Amb. Peter Haymond about Laos. Japhet is joined by John Indergaard, Advocacy and Project Coordinator at the Chin Association of Maryland, to cover the latest from the region.

Greg chats with Do Hoang about the U.S.-Vietnam relationship. Japhet is joined by Josiah Gottfried from the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at CSIS, to cover the latest from the region.

Monica and Andreyka chat about outcomes from the U.S.-Pacific Island Forum Summit, Australia’s “Voice to Parliament” referendum, and New Zealand’s general elections.

Greg chats with Brian Eyler about the latest developments in the Mekong. Lauren Mai, the newest Program Coordinator and Research Assistant for the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS, is joined by Angelica Ortega, Manager at the US-ASEAN Business Council, to cover the latest from the region.

Greg and Elina discuss the state of Japan-ASEAN relations with Aizawa Nobuhiro. Japhet is joined by Angus Lam, fall intern for the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS, to cover the latest from the region.

Monica welcomes new podcast co-host, Andreyka Natalegawa, to Pacific Airwaves. They discuss the second Pacific Islands Forum Summit hosted by the White House, continued controversy over the Fukushima water release, the latest meeting of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, and more.

Greg and Elina chat with Aaron Connelly, discussing the ASEAN Summit, the East Asia Summit, and President Biden’s trip to Vietnam. Japhet is joined by Rachel Lambert, associate at the Asia Group, to cover the latest from the region.

Greg and Elina discuss the recent state elections in Malaysia with Shahril Hamdan. Japhet is joined by Camille Bismonte, former Research Intern for the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS, to cover the latest from the region.

Greg talks with Sophal Ear and Charles Dunst about the recent election in Cambodia. Japhet is joined by Lauren Mai, the new PCRA for the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS, to cover the latest from the region.

Jared and Monica discuss French President Emmanuel Macron's historic visit to the Pacific, U.S. security activities in Papua New Guinea and Palau, an update on COFA negotiations, and the New Zealand Defence Force's combat preparedness.

Elina and Thitinan Pongsudhirak discuss the aftermath of the Thai elections. Andreyka is joined by Yumei Lin, a Research Intern with the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS, to cover the latest from the region.

Greg and Elina chat with Andreyka Natalegawa to discuss the program’s upcoming report on U.S. and Chinese influence in Southeast Asia. Japhet is joined by Nickii Arcado, a former Research Intern with the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS, to cover the latest from the region.

Jared welcomes new podcast co-host, Monica Sato, to Pacific Airwaves and the pair delve into Solomon Islands Prime Minister Sogavare's trip to China, musings of Pacific defense forces, deep seabed mining negotiations, and an update on COFA delays with RMI. 

Greg and Elina, joined by Natalie Sambhi and Harrison Prétat, give an update on the state of play in the South China Sea. Japhet is joined by Ramil Mercado, Intern with the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS, to cover the latest from the region.

Greg and Elina sit down with Philips Vermonte, dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII) and senior fellow at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Indonesia. They discuss the frontrunners in Indonesia’s upcoming presidential elections in February 2024, their policy platforms, and President Joko Widodo’s legacy. Karen is joined by Japhet Quitzon, new research associate with the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS, to cover the latest from the region.

Karen and Jared discuss the first-ever South Korea-Pacific Islands Summit, Japan’s plans to release nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi power plant, and a new task force in the U.S. House of Representatives on countering Chinese influence in the Pacific. A surprise guest from AMTI makes an appearance.

Greg and Elina discuss takeaways from the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, interspersed with Greg’s interviews with conference participants on the ground. They discuss the speeches from U.S. defense secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese defense minister Li Shangfu, responses from ASEAN delegates, and the controversial remarks from Indonesian defense minister Prabowo Subianto. Karen is joined by Lam Tran, Program Coordinator for the Australia Chair at CSIS, to cover the latest from the region.  

Elina grills Danielle, Karen, and Greg from the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS on their new report on decarbonization in the region. They discuss key takeaways from the report, possibility for U.S.-China cooperation in the sector, domestic electric vehicle industries, and more. Karen is joined by Mai Takahata, intern for the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at CSIS, to cover the latest from the region.

In the inaugural episode of Pacific Airwaves, Karen and Jared discuss President Biden’s cancelled trip to Papua New Guinea, the renewal of Compacts of Free Association agreements with Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia, and new U.S. Embassies in the Pacific Islands. 

Greg and Elina talk with Ken Mathis Lohatepanont, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Political Science at the University of Michigan and a writer for the Thai Enquirer. They discuss the results of Thailand’s general elections and what the Move Forward Party’s historic win means for the country’s political future. Karen is joined by Alden Hartopo, former intern with the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS, to cover the latest from the region. 

Greg and Elina celebrate Southeast Asia Radio’s one-year anniversary with Andreyka Natalegawa, Danielle Fallin, and Karen Lee of the Southeast Asia Program team. They answer questions from listeners on the region’s 21st century challenges, security partnerships, advice for young professionals interested in Southeast Asia, and more. Karen is joined by Simon Tran Hudes, former research associate with the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS, to cover the latest from the region.

Greg and Elina sit down with Charmaine Willoughby, Associate Professor at the Department of International Studies at De La Salle University in the Philippines. They discuss the latest flurry of developments in the U.S.-Philippines Alliance, including the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, Balikatan joint military exercises, and new EDCA sites. Karen is joined by Margaret Lin, intern for the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS, to cover the latest from the region.

Greg and Elina unpack the AUKUS trilateral security pact with CSIS Australia Chair Charles Edel. They discuss what the agreement entails, why it matters for Australia, and how regional partners in Southeast Asia are responding. Karen is joined by Diego Lingad, former intern with the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS, to cover the latest from the region. 

Greg and Elina talk with Susannah Patton, Director of the Southeast Asia Program at the Lowy Institute, an international policy think tank in Australia. They discuss key findings and unexpected results from the Asia Power Index, the Institute’s annual assessment that maps the changing distribution of power in the region. Karen is joined by Estey Chen, former intern with the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS, to cover the latest from the region.

Greg and Elina talk with Juita Mohamad, Director of the Economics and Business Unit at the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) in Kuala Lumpur. They discuss Southeast Asia’s economic outlook, including the region’s prospects for post-pandemic recovery, opportunities from IPEF and RCEP, and the impact of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Karen is joined by Dylan Kean, a former researcher with the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS, to cover the latest from the region.

Greg and Elina sit down with Michael Martin, adjunct fellow with the Southeast Asia Program and former specialist for Asian affairs at the Congressional Research Service. They discuss the provisions in the recently passed BURMA Act and what they mean for Myanmar’s military junta and resistance forces. Karen is joined by Monica Sato, a new research associate with CSIS’ Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, to cover the latest from the region.

Greg and Elina talk with Blake Herzinger, a nonresident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. They discuss Blake’s recent article in Foreign Policy, and how the US can more effectively engage with partners in the Indo-Pacific. Karen is joined by Steven Vo, research intern for the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS, to cover the latest from the region.  

Greg sits down with Nguyen Phuong Linh, a Vietnam analyst and a former journalist in Hanoi for the Financial Times and Reuters. They discuss the timing behind Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s unprecedented resignation and internal dynamics within the Vietnamese Communist Party. Karen is joined by Arin Chinnasathian, former intern with the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at CSIS, to cover the latest from the region. 

Greg and Elina chat with Tricia Yeoh, CEO of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) in Kuala Lumpur, about the formation and priorities of Malaysia’s new government. Karen is joined by Margaux Garcia, former intern with the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at CSIS and analyst at C4ADS, to cover the latest from the region. 

For Southeast Asia Radio’s special holiday episode, Greg and Elina answer questions from Andreyka Natalegawa, Danielle Fallin, and Karen Lee from the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS. They cover everything from Southeast Asia’s evolving relationship with the United States and China, upcoming elections in 2023, and Greg and Elina’s favorite holiday traditions. Karen is joined by Harrison Prétat, associate director and associate fellow with the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at CSIS, to cover the latest from the region. 

Greg and Elina sit down with Ye Myo Hein, a visiting scholar at the U.S. Institute of Peace. They discuss the ongoing resistance movement against the military junta in Myanmar. Karen is joined by Adrien Chorn, former intern for the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS, to cover the latest from the region. 

Greg and Elina talk with Stephanie Segal, a senior fellow at the CSIS Economics Program. They discuss the outcomes from the COP27, G20, ASEAN, and APEC Summits and implications for Southeast Asia. Karen is joined by Ray Joseph, intern for the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at CSIS, to cover the latest from the region.

Greg chats with Christopher Johnstone, Senior Adviser and Japan Chair at CSIS, about the implications of the National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and US midterms for Southeast Asia. Karen is joined by David Dennis, an Associate with The Asia Group and a former intern for CSIS’ Southeast Asia Program, to cover the latest developments from the region. 

Greg and Elina talk with Ted Osius, the former United States Ambassador to Vietnam and the President and CEO of the US-ASEAN Business Council. They discuss the private sector's perspective on the Biden administration’s Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and the key issues for the upcoming APEC Leaders’ Summit in November. Karen is joined by Mike Tiernan, research intern for the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS, to cover the latest developments in the region.

Greg and Elina talk with BC Han, a former researcher at Freedom House. They discuss Freedom House’s recent publication on Beijing’s Global Media Influence and the report's findings in Southeast Asia. Karen is joined by Ike Barrash, research intern for the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at CSIS, to cover the latest developments in the region.

Greg talks with co-host Elina Noor on her latest report, “Raising Standards: Data and Artificial Intelligence in Southeast Asia.” Andreyka is joined by Karen Lee, the new Research Associate here at CSIS’s Southeast Asia Program, to cover the latest developments from the region.

Elina talks with Sophie Lemière, a political anthropologist and an adjunct fellow with the CSIS Southeast Asia Program, on recent political developments in Malaysia. Andreyka is joined by Camille Bismonte, an associate with the East Asia & Pacific practice at Albright Stonebridge Group and former intern for the CSIS Southeast Asia Program, to cover the latest news from the region.

Greg talks with Huong Le Thu, adjunct fellow for the Southeast Asia Program and principal policy Fellow at the Perth USAsia Centre. They discuss the priorities that Washington and Canberra should pursue in Southeast Asia. Andreyka is joined by Danielle Fallin, program coordinator and research assistant for the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS, to cover the latest news from the region.

Greg and Elina talk with Chester Cabalza, president and founder of the International Development and Security Cooperation. They discuss how the Marcos administration in the Philippines is going and check in on the state of the U.S.-Philippines alliance. Simon is joined by Jared Tupuola, program manager and research associate with the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at CSIS, to cover legal developments in Myanmar, the latest on Najib’s 1MDB trial, and high-speed rail in Vietnam!

Greg talks with Pongkwan “PK” Sawasdipakdi, a lecturer at Thammasat University in Thailand. They discuss the recent Bangkok gubernatorial election and what that may portend for the general election next year. Simon is joined by Japhet Quitzon, program coordinator and research assistant for the CSIS Scholl Chair in International Business and former intern for the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS to cover new diplomatic activity in the region, executions in Myanmar, and the Great Malaysian Chicken Crisis of 2022! 

Greg talks with Erin Murphy, deputy director and senior fellow for the Economics Program at CSIS, about the current situation on the ground in post-coup Myanmar. Simon is joined by Meghan Murphy, a Young Professionals Program participant at the East-West Center in Washington and a former research intern for the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS, to cover the G20 meetings in Bali, coal, and Secretary Blinken’s visit to Thailand.

Elina interviews Greg about his new book, On Dangerous Ground: America's Century in the South China Sea. They discuss the history of U.S. interests in the South China Sea and combat misinformation about historical, territorial, and maritime claims made by some in the region. Simon is joined by Nickii Arcado, a summer intern for the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS to cover Indonesia’s attempts at mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the new Philippine presidential Cabinet, Myanmar’s airspace violation into Thailand, and inflation in Malaysia.

Greg and Elina talk with Dr. Sophal Ear, associate professor in the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, and Charles Dunst, associate at The Asia Group and adjunct fellow with the CSIS Southeast Asia Program. They discuss Cambodia’s recent local elections, the direction of the U.S.-Cambodia relationship, and the small country’s surprisingly large impact on U.S. foreign policy. Simon is joined by Karen Lee, Southeast Asia associate at McLarty Associates and former intern for the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS to cover the Shangri La defense summit, LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand, and economic instability in Laos.

Greg and Elina talk with Zack Cooper, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, about the Quad’s new maritime domain awareness partnership. Simon is joined by Andreyka Natalegawa, research associate with the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS to cover the fighting in Myanmar, disappointment from Cambodia, and chickens!

Greg and Elina talk with Bich Tran, adjunct fellow with the CSIS Southeast Asia Program and fellow with Verve Research, about last week’s U.S.-ASEAN special summit. Simon is joined by Meghan Sullivan, an intern for the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS to cover the summit, the surprising landslide victory in Bangkok’s gubernatorial election and what that means for Thai national politics, and Indonesia’s see-sawing palm oil export policy.

Greg and Elina talk with Ben Bland, Director of the Asia-Pacific Program at Chatham House, Natasha Kassam, director of the Lowy Institute’s Public Opinion and Foreign Policy program, and Evan Laksmana, senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy about the Lowy Institute’s latest poll of Indonesian public opinion on foreign policy, U.S.-China competition, and democracy. Simon is joined by Hazen Williams, intern for the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS to cover the results of the Philippine presidential election, Aung San Suu Kyi’s kangaroo court trial, and the U.S.-ASEAN Special summit. 

Greg and Elina sit down with Dino Patti Djalal, chairman of the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia and former Indonesian ambassador to the United States. They discuss how Indonesia, as president of the G20 this year, is navigating tensions between member states after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Simon is joined by Drake Tien, research intern for the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS to cover the latest from the region, including the ASEAN Summit as well as leadership changes in Singapore and Timor-Leste. 

On April 14, Elina and Greg sat down with the Trade Guys to discuss the Indo Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). We are re-publishing the conversation with their permission. Don't forget to check out The Trade Guys- releasing every week on the CSIS network.

On the premiere episode of Southeast Asia Radio, Greg and Elina talk Philippine presidential politics with Marites Vitug, editor-at-large at Rappler. Simon is joined by Danielle Fallin, program coordinator and research assistant, to cover the most important news from across Southeast Asia.

Greg Poling, Elina Noor, and Simon Tran Hudes 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.