Articles by Joanne Lin

State of Southeast Asia Survey 2026: A harder balance to keep in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia has traditionally preferred not to take sides in the longstanding Sino-US rivalry. A fall in confidence in the US makes this a harder choice to make.

Joanne Lin

07 Apr 2026

From paper to power: Can ASEAN turn Vision 2045 into real clout?

Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship and Vision 2045 reflect ASEAN’s strategic recalibration amid rising geopolitical uncertainty.

Joanne Lin, Melinda Martinus

03 Jun 2025

Biden skips 2024 ASEAN Summit: US not walking the talk in Southeast Asia

President Joe Biden is, once again, not attending the ASEAN-US Summit. Though this is understandable given the upcoming US election, the US seems to be losing ground in Southeast Asia amid growing Chinese influence.

Joanne Lin

11 Oct 2024

India’s strategic conundrum of diminished influence and rising ambitions: State of Southeast Asia 2024

With its strategic relevance in Southeast Asia diminishing, how can India enhance its image as a trusted partner in the region?

Joanne Lin

14 May 2024

Navigating China's influence: Insights from the State of Southeast Asia 2024 Survey

Southeast Asians recognise China's burgeoning influence in the region, but there are nuances to the geopolitical dynamics. The region needs to manage its relationship with the rising global power; China needs to address the lack of confidence that it will "do the right thing".

Joanne Lin

05 Apr 2024

Is Laos able to make a difference in the Myanmar crisis?

ISEAS academic Joanne Lin looks at the crisis in Myanmar and recommends possible strategies for Laos to move the needle on the issue, ahead of its ASEAN chairmanship next year. Namely, Laos can make use of its strong relations with China and Russia to encourage them to work and coordinate closely with ASEAN.

Joanne Lin

24 Oct 2023

A divided ASEAN: Will disunity derail the regional organisation?

Co-coordinator of the ASEAN Studies Centre at ISEAS Joanne Lin examines the challenges to ASEAN's unity ahead of the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' and related meetings, and highlights why ASEAN needs to move towards a more flexible modus operandi.

Joanne Lin

06 Jul 2023

South Korea's 'global pivotal state' ambition is a tall order

South Korea has far-reaching geopolitical ambitions but focusing on the regions closest to it will bring more dividends in a competitive world.

William Choong, Joanne Lin

18 May 2023

South Korea's new Indo-Pacific strategy: Seeking the best of both worlds

South Korea's new Indo-Pacific strategy underscores the country's ambitions to be a "global pivotal state". Seoul seeks to effect a careful balance: inclining towards the US-led grouping advocating a "free and open Indo-Pacific", while at the same time engaging China.

Joanne Lin, Sean King

12 Jan 2023

EU could be ASEAN's best bet in hedging against US-China rivalry uncertainties

The ASEAN-EU Summit in Brussels highlighted potential areas for closer cooperation between the two regional blocs, provided leaders can surmount strategic and other differences at this tricky juncture in world politics.

Joanne Lin, Sharon Seah

27 Dec 2022

The UK's 'tilt' towards the Indo-Pacific may not be sustainable

The UK has launched a robust "tilt" towards the Indo-Pacific. To its credit, it has executed a series of high-profile diplomatic engagements and military deployments to the region. The question, however, is not about London's desire to engage with the dynamic region but whether this tilt can be sustained.

Joanne Lin, William Choong

28 Oct 2022

South Korea's pivot to the US will impact ASEAN

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has a tough balancing act to pull off in his foreign policy as South Korea remains wary of greater US-China rivalry and China's rise. The Yoon administration will likely continue to deepen its economic relations with ASEAN, and place more emphasis on security cooperation and a greater alignment with the US's values-based diplomacy.

Joanne Lin

25 May 2022