[Talk] Southeast Asia between the Superpowers: Who is Where and Why

In an era of extreme competition between the United States and China, can Southeast Asian nations truly avoid taking sides? In this lecture, renowned International Relations scholar Professor Khong Yuen Foong deconstructs how the ten ASEAN nations navigate the competing demands of economic interests and national security. Utilizing an exclusive "Alignment Index" based on 30 years of research, he explores the delicate and painful balancing act required to secure both "lunch" (economy) and "security" (military). Key discussion points: 1. The Strategic Tug-of-War: Why leaders insist on neutrality while policy actions suggest otherwise. 2. Direction of Travel: An analysis of the shift toward China’s orbit over the last 15 years and the notable exceptions. 3. Regional Case Studies: Examining the shifting stances of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia under current administrations. 4. Future Forecast: How "Trump 2.0" and global tensions are rewriting the regional rules of the game for 2026. This session offers a masterclass in the survival art of smaller states caught between two global powers. #USChinaRivalry #SoutheastAsia #ASEAN #KhongYuenFoong #Geopolitics #Malaysia #InternationalRelations #GlobalSouth