The State of Southeast Asia 2026 Survey conducted by the ASEAN Studies Centre at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, reveals that Southeast Asia remains deeply concerned with intensifying major power rivalry.
The findings show growing unease over economic unpredictability, geopolitical tensions and ASEAN’s own implementation challenges, with climate risks, domestic instability and transnational threats continuing to weigh heavily on regional perceptions. At the same time, the findings point to a Southeast Asia that is increasingly cautious and determined to preserve room for manoeuvre in a contested strategic landscape.
