CSIS Southeast Asia Initiative

The CSIS Southeast Asia Initiative is a project of the International Security Program, Asia Group. CSIS launched the initiative in January 2008, to provide a venue for greater focus, examination, and analysis of Southeast Asian affairs within Washington’s policy community. The initiative includes regular roundtables, conferences, studies, and forums to spotlight developments in the region. CSIS also seeks to partner with other interested organizations and individuals within and outside Washington to maximize the flow of information, analysis and outreach on Southeast Asian affairs in the United States.

An important component of the initiative is the monthly Southeast Asia Bulletin, which provides a timely overview of key developments, events, and facts about the region, and offers a forum for short essays by official and unofficial commentators on regional affairs.

The Initiative’s major ongoing research project is entitled, "Out of the Shadows: U.S. Alliances and Emerging Partnerships in Southeast Asia." The project, the first of its kind in years, will take a critical look at the United States’ treaty alliances with Thailand and the Philippines and its emerging security partnerships with Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. A final report will be released in early 2009 with concrete policy recommendations for the next U.S. administration.

In September 2008, CSIS hosted its first annual two-day conference focused on U.S. policy in Southeast Asia, featuring 15 prominent Southeast Asians and U.S. policy makers as panelists and keynote speakers.  The conference report, entitled "The United States and Southeast Asia: Toward a Strategy for Enhanced Engagement," is available for download.