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Politics in Action 2025: Reform, regression, realignment in Southeast Asia
16 July 2025
Southeast Asia's shifting political landscape explored
SSEAC’s flagship Politics in Action forum provided insightful analysis on the national and international forces shaping six Southeast Asian countries.
Now in its tenth year, SSEAC’s flagship Politics in Action 2025 offered fascinating insights into the evolving political landscape in Southeast Asia.
SSEAC Director Professor Greg Fox opened the forum, remarking on recent political shifts within the region amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, and what that means for anyone working on Southeast Asia.
“Internal politics in Southeast Asia are not just shaping governance – they’re influencing education, research, economic development and civil liberties,” Professor Fox said. “Understanding current political developments across the region has never been more critical to building connections and enabling effective collaborations.”
This year’s forum was led by Associate Professor Aim Sinpeng, who put together a fantastic line-up of speakers.
Former Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Andrew Goledzinowski
Andrew Goledzinowski, former Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, explored economic and political reforms under General Secretary To Lam, in the context of Vietnam’s history. With a commitment to double-digit growth, the government is streamlining bureaucracy and accelerating investor processes. While Vietnam’s foreign policy remains neutral, guided by its “four no’s” policies, it is expanding strategic partnerships beyond traditional allies to include Australia, Japan and the United States. Vietnam’s administrative reforms and strategic neutrality position it as a rising regional player.
The political landscape in Thailand has shifted significantly since the 2023 election, noted Dr Ladawan Khaikham (Kasetsart University). Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned from exile and his daughter Paetongtarn became the country’s youngest prime minister in 2024. Local elections in 2025 showed rising influence of political dynasties and emerging parties. While the legalisation of same-sex marriage marks a progressive milestone, the use of lèse-majesté laws and political repression reflect enduring structural constraints.
Dr Sol Iglesias (University of Philippines, Diliman) outlined the political situation in the Philippines against the backdrop of the Marcos-Duterte alliance and subsequent split and the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. Democratic backsliding continues amid a weak state dominated by dynastic politics and low party system institutionalisation. Yet the modest resurgence of progressive candidates at the midterm elections shows that democratic aspirations persist. The current impeachment impasse in the Senate will likely shape the 2028 elections and future of democracy in the Philippines.
Dr Gillian Koh, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies, NUS
The 2025 Singapore general election results delivered a “Goldilocks” outcome, noted Dr Gillian Koh (National University of Singapore): a strong mandate for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and the ruling People’s Action Party, reversing the trend of declining support in maiden campaigns, and a more unified and credible opposition led by the Workers’ Party. Singapore appears headed towards a “one-and-a-half party system”, balancing dominant governance with growing opposition accountability and citizen engagement.
Malaysia’s political stability under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is built on strategic alliances, including with former rivals, noted Associate Professor Ross Tapsell (Australian National University). While democratic processes have strengthened, with active parliamentary committees and ongoing corruption investigations, race and religion dominate political discourse. The government faces criticism for its handling of media freedoms and nepotism yet remains resilient amid a steady economy. Malaysia’s foreign policy and role as ASEAN chair in 2025 position it as a diplomatic bridge in the region.
Dr Liam Gammon (Australian National University) explored Indonesia’s increasingly president-centric democracy. President Prabowo Subianto inherited a powerful executive from Joko Widodo and governs through elite collusion and patronage, expanding the cabinet and consolidating authority. While “Prabowonomics” promises economic growth and food security, military encroachment in civilian governance raises concerns about democratic backsliding. Civil society and NGOs remain vocal but face repression and legal intimidation. Despite illiberal trends, Prabowo has not radically altered the system, relying instead on inherited executive dominance.
Politics in Action 2025 roundtable discussion. From left: Associate Professor Aim Sinpeng (Chair), Dr Sol Iglesias, Dr Liam Gammon, Dr Gillian Koh, Associate Professor Ross Tapsell, Andrew Goledzinowski and Dr Ladawan Khaikham
The forum finished with a thought-provoking roundtable discussion chaired by Associate Professor Sinpeng. The panel explored the region’s complex relationship with the United States amid its democratic regression and shifting global role. While countries like the Philippines and Vietnam remain strategically aligned with the US, others like Malaysia and Indonesia express scepticism about Western-led norms. Singapore emphasised the importance of a rules-based multilateral system, while Thailand’s “bamboo diplomacy” reflects its pragmatic balancing act.
All speakers noted that elections remain a resilient feature of Southeast Asian democracies, even as liberal democratic values are eroding. The retreat of US influence and uncertainty under President Trump has spurred regional actors to seek new alliances and assert greater diplomatic agency.
You can watch all six Politics in Action 2025 updates and the roundtable discussion on SSEAC’s YouTube channel.
Participants at the SSEAC PhD Idea Lab workshop facilitated by expert speakers from Politics in Action 2025
PhD Idea Lab
Capitalising on the expertise gathered for Politics in Action 2025, SSEAC hosted a postgraduate workshop led by Associate Professor Sinpeng. Designed specifically for PhD students passionate about Southeast Asia, it was an opportunity to network, learn and share insights.
Working in groups facilitated by speakers from the previous day’s forum, the workshop provided an opportunity for students to sharpen their thesis through thoughtful discussions with peers from other disciplines that challenged their ideas.
Thinking about their thesis more broadly, they explored what real-world impact their research will have, including in their home countries and in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals. They also workshopped how to build a narrative to effectively communicate their research when applying for positions and grants.
The workshop also offered a space to submit anonymous questions about their PhD journey and to hear them discussed by the experts in a supportive and collegial environment.
Main image: Associate Professor Jeffrey Neilson moderating the Malaysia update delivered by Associate Professor Ross Tapsell
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