Programs

Southeast Asia Program

Promoting sustainable growth, peace, and security in Southeast Asia.

About Program

The 10 countries of Southeast Asia comprise the world’s fifth largest economy and third largest population. Most Southeast Asian countries have achieved levels of unprecedented economic growth in recent years as the conflict-ridden 20th century has transitioned to a mostly peaceful, stable 21st century. Yet, rapid economic expansion has come at a significant social and environmental costs. Looking forward, Southeast Asia is predicted to be one of the world’s most at-risk regions for disastrous effects of climate change. Today, Southeast Asia serves as a key zone of engagement for the United States and other external partners. Some suggest Southeast Asia is the premier arena for great power competition between the U.S. and China.
 
The Stimson Center’s Southeast Asia Program engages with key stakeholders in Southeast Asia, the United States, and other development partners to promote sustainable growth, peace, and security in the region. Our Mekong work focuses on data transparency and smarter planning of infrastructure development and a more equitable share of natural resources for stakeholders throughout the Mekong Basin. The Southeast Asia Forum addresses emerging issues through bridging the gap between policy development and academic research. Finally, the War Legacies Working Group convenes member organizations working on issues related to unexploded ordnance removal, mine clearing, and Agent Orange remediation and disability assistance for victims of the U.S. wars in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia

Featured Research

SOUTHEAST ASIA

Trump’s New Critical Minerals Commitments: Opportunities and Concerns

Recent U.S. expansion of critical minerals cooperation in ASEAN and the broader Indo-Pacific is a strategic opportunity, not without challenges

Regan Kwan | Courtney Weatherby | Brian Eyler

Recent Publications

Environmental Security

Navigating Seabed Mining in the Cook Islands: A Conversation with John Parianos

Southeast Asia

การทำเหมืองแร่โดยไม่ได้รับการควบคุมตามแนวแม่น้ำในแผ่นดินใหญ่ของเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้

Southeast Asia

Mining in Mainland Southeast Asia – River Basins Dashboard

Protecting Civilians & Human Security

Bridging the Gap Between UN Special Envoys and the Protection of Civilians

Protecting Civilians & Human Security

To Move Forward on Gaza Force, Engage the UN

Protecting Civilians & Human Security

Centering Protection Across the Full Spectrum of Peace Operations

National Security Reform

The United States Is Self-Destructing Amid Empire Collapse

National Security Reform

USS Gerald Ford limps out of hot war and into embarrassment. Why?

Reimagining US Grand Strategy

Five Things to Know About Iranian Minelaying

Conventional Defense, Japan

Japan’s Tentative Entry Into a Shifting Global Arms Market

Conventional Defense

The Impact of US-Sponsored Ukraine-Russia Talks on Moldova’s Security

Conventional Defense

What to Know About Emergency Arms Sales to the Middle East

Experts

Carolyn Gruber

Fellow and Deputy Director

Brian Eyler

Senior Fellow and Director, Southeast Asia and Energy, Water, & Sustainability Programs

Courtney Weatherby

Fellow and Deputy Director, Southeast Asia and Energy, Water, & Sustainability Programs

Brian Eyler

Senior Fellow and Director, Southeast Asia and Energy, Water, & Sustainability Programs

Courtney Weatherby

Fellow and Deputy Director, Southeast Asia and Energy, Water, & Sustainability Programs

Carolyn Gruber

Fellow and Deputy Director

Programs

Events

Upcoming Events

The Middle East is Asian: A Fireside with the Author of West Asia

Home to more than 100 scholars and global affiliates, the Stimson Center is proud to be a magnet for the world’s leading experts on the most pressing foreign policy and national security issues of our time. Explore our experts and their work.

  • March 19, 2026
  • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (US Eastern)
  • Online or In-person

Upcoming Events

The Re-Making of International Security: Arms Transfer Trends in a Changing Global Order

  • March 19, 2026

Upcoming Events

Truth or Tech: The Socio-Technical Risks of AI Audio for the Global South

  • March 19, 2026

Upcoming Events

Gaza’s Reconstruction: A Conversation on Water, Energy, and Infrastructure with EcoPeace Middle East

  • March 19, 2026