The State of Southeast Asia in 2023

The ASEAN Studies Centre at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute recently released its State of Southeast Asia 2023 Survey, which gauges the views and perceptions of Southeast Asians on geopolitical developments affecting the region over the preceding year. The 2023 survey reveals that Southeast Asia’s top preoccupations include recessionary pressures, potential military tensions, and a ‘slow and ineffective’ ASEAN. China continues to be regarded as the most influential economic and political power in the region, while the US has sharpened its edge over China in the event of a "forced choice." Japan remains Southeast Asia's most trusted major power. In this episode of the China in the World podcast, Paul Haenle speaks with Ms. Sharon Seah, Senior Fellow and Coordinator of the ASEAN Studies Centre, about the findings of the 2023 survey. Ms. Sharon Seah is a Senior Fellow and Coordinator of the ASEAN Studies Centre Coordinator and the Climate Change in Southeast Asia Programme at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. Prior to academia, Ms. Seah spent 15 years in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Environment Agency of Singapore. Her research interests include ASEAN, multilateralism, rule of law, and climate change. The State of Southeast Asia 2023 Survey can be found here: https://www.iseas.edu.sg/articles-commentaries/state-of-southeast-asia-survey/the-state-of-southeast-asia-2023-survey-report-2/#:~:text=The%20State%20of%20Southeast%20Asia%202023%20Survey%20conducted%20by%20the,'slow%20and%20ineffective'%20ASEAN.