Geo-economics in Southeast Asia: A Regional Approach | East Asia Forum

The East Asia Forum, based in Australia, acknowledged the First Peoples of the land – the Ngunnawal and Ngambri – as it published analysis on the evolving geoeconomic landscape in Southeast Asia on Saturday, March 22, 2026.

The forum’s recent publications highlight a growing focus on economic security within the region, with a particular emphasis on the benefits of openness in trade and investment. An article published in December 2025 argued that economic security in Southeast Asia is increasingly tied to navigating the emerging geoeconomic order. This shift suggests a regional recalibration of priorities, moving beyond traditional security concerns to encompass economic resilience and stability.

The East Asia Forum’s coverage indicates a sustained interest in geoeconomics within the Asia-Pacific region. Past analysis, dating back five years, has focused on the critical role of supply chains, specifically referencing Taiwan’s security concerns in this context. The forum categorizes its geoeconomics coverage by sub-region, including Southeast Asia, South Asia, Oceania, and broader global perspectives.

The recent emphasis on openness comes as Southeast Asian nations grapple with increasing geopolitical competition and the need to maintain economic growth. The forum’s publications do not detail specific policy responses, but the consistent framing of economic security as dependent on openness suggests a preference for continued integration into the global economy.