Chris, Melanie, and Zack debate the 2024 ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute State of Southeast Asia Survey, in which regional experts assess power trends and perceptions among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The report yields some warning signs for the United States in the region, suggesting that the Biden team has much more work to do in Southeast Asia. Chris and Melanie worry about American shipbuilding while Zack commends and critiques American and Japanese leaders for announcements connected to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit to Washington.

Episode Reading

• Sarah Seah et al., The State of Southeast Asia: 2024 Survey Report (Singapore: ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, 2024).
• Lee Sue-Ann, “Southeast Asian Views on the United States: Perceptions Versus Objective Reality,” ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, 2023.
• Jamie Dimon, Letter to Shareholders, April 8, 2024.
• Alexander Grey, The Submarine Workforce Crisis: Admitting Realities and Restructuring Long-Term Strategy, War on the Rocks, April 4, 2024.
• Kelly Grieco & Jennifer Kavanaugh, The Indo-Pacific Has Already Chosen Door No. 3, Foreign Policy, May 31, 2023.
• Kelly Grieco & Jennifer Kavanaugh, America Can’t Surpass China’s Power in Asia, Jan. 16, 2024.
• Paul Mcleary et al., Navy Cancels Ship Briefings After Damning Internal Report, Politico, April 7, 2024.
• Michael J. Mazarr, Beating the Ossification Trap: Why Reform, Not Spending, Will Salvage American Power, War on the Rocks, Feb. 15, 2024.