In 2018, the Hollings Center hosted a pivotal dialogue conference in Jakarta, Indonesia, aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of US-Southeast Asia ties. This conference was notable for bringing together a diverse group of experts from Southeast Asia, China, and the United States to examine these relationships from multiple perspectives. The discussions explored various dimensions of cooperation and interaction, including security, trade, and cultural exchange.
Building on the insights gained from this significant dialogue, guest host Sanem Güner recently engaged with prominent analysts Prashanth Parameswaran and Gatra Priyandita to continue the conversation on how the United States can revitalize its policy approach toward Southeast Asia. The aim is to enhance cooperation and address both regional and global challenges more effectively. This ongoing dialogue seeks to refine and expand the partnerships, focusing on strategic areas such as security arrangements, economic trade relations, and fostering stronger people-to-people connections. By re-evaluating and updating its policy vision, the United States hopes to build a more robust and dynamic relationship with Southeast Asia, one that can better tackle emerging global issues and promote mutual growth and stability in the region.
Prashanth Parameswaran is a fellow with the Wilson Center’s Asia Program, where he produces analysis on Southeast Asian political and security issues, Asian defense affairs, and U.S. foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific. He is also Deputy Head of Research at the consultancy BowerGroupAsia and Senior Columnist at The Diplomat, one of Asia’s leading current affairs publications.
A political scientist by training, Dr. Parameswaran is a recognized expert on Asian affairs and U.S. foreign policy in the region, with a focus on Southeast Asia and politics and security issues.
Gatra Priyandita is an analyst at ASPI’s International Cyber Policy Centre, where he leads a project researching cyber-enabled IP theft. Gatra is a political scientist by training, specializing in the study of foreign policy and security in Southeast Asia. Prior to joining ASPI, he did a PhD in Political Science at the Australian National University (ANU), where he studied Indonesia’s response to the rise of China since the end of the Cold War. He holds eight years of research experience, working extensively on projects studying Indonesian foreign policy, Southeast Asian security, and cybersecurity. He has fieldwork experience in China and across Southeast Asia.
