Straight Talk Southeast Asia
Straight Talk Southeast Asia is a podcast hosted by Dr. Bridget Welsh, a political analyst and academic. It covers politics, current affairs, and developments in Southeast Asia, with new episodes released weekly. The show is produced by Renegade Radio.
Episodes
EP149: Environmental Activism Facing Pressure in Indonesia with Andreas Harsono
This episode looks at the Human Rights Watch report entitled Grabbed Land, Silenced Justice: The Persecution of Environmentalists and Indigenous Leaders in Indonesia with researcher Andreas Harsono. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP148: 301-Tariffs and Southeast Asia with Dr. Deborah Elms
This episode looks at the late July decision to impose Section 301 tariffs on Southeast Asian countries with Dr. Deborah Elms.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP147: Electoral Turning Points in Malaysia with Dr. Bridget Welsh
This episode looks at broader electoral changes taking place in Malaysian politics after three state elections in which the governing coalition leading the Anwar Ibrahim Madani government has lost ground.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP146: Türkiye and ASEAN with Mehmet Enes Beşer
This episode looks at Türkiye’s relationship with ASEAN with Mehmet Enes Beşer, focusing on defense, economic and political ties as well as Türkiye’s interests in the region. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP145: Brunei’s Challenges with Dr. Kerstin Steiner
This episode looks at challenges facing Brunei with Dr. Kerstein Steiner examining the dynamics of generational change, succession, her political economy and geopolitical shifts. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP144: Myanmar’s Junta Normalisation with Professor Thitinan Pongsudhirak
This episode looks at Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing’s attempt to normalize his government in the region, especially in ASEAN with Professor Thitinan Pongsudhirak.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP143: Youth Social Media Ban Southeast Asia with Dr. Nuurrianti Jalli
This episode examines the social media ban policy for children under 16 and focuses in on this policy in Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia and Indonesia, with Dr. Nuurrianti Jalli.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP142: Maritime Conflict Decision Making with Dr Natalie Sambhi and Dr Bich Tran
This episode looks at the agency and policy approaches of Southeast Asian countries over maritime defence issues in Southeast Asia with Dr Natalie Sambhi and Dr Bich Tran, drawing from a report by Verve Research. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP141: Indonesia Not in Crisis Yet with Economist Dr. James Guild
This episode with economist Dr. James Guild examines Indonesia’s political economy at a time when her currency is facing unprecedented pressures and President Prabowo Subianto is undergoing economic changes. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP140: A Look at Philippine Elite Politics with Professor Ronald Holmes
This episode looks at recent developments in Philippine politics, from leadership changes in the Senate, impeachment trials, extraditions and management of disasters, and digs through the headlines in order to understand broader ongoing shifts.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP139: Toboso Killings, Philippines Political Violence with Patrick Peralta
This episode discusses political violence in the Philippines through a lens focus on the recent Toboso killings with scholar Patrick Peralta. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP138: Shangri-La 2026 - Defence Diplomacy Challenges with Dr. Evan Laksamana
This episode reflects on the 2026 IISS Shangri-La Dialogue defence diplomacy dialogue held in Singapore last month with its key organizer Dr. Evan Laksamana and shares insights from their new annual report on Asia Security.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP137: Japan Steps Up for Southeast Asia with Associate Professor Kei Koga
At a time of increasing global crisis and greater uncertainty, this episode looks Japan’s deepening relations with Associate Professor Kei Koga and showcases how middle powers are strengthening ties with Southeast Asia. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP136: Food Security in Southeast Asia amidst the Iran War with Dr Jose Ma. Luis P. Montesclaros
This episode looks at food security in the context of the changing weather conditions and the Iran war with RSIS’s Dr Jose Ma. Luis P. Montesclaros, highlighting variation in risks across the region and potential policy responses. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP135: Papua Protests with Dr. Hipo Wangge
This episode looks at recent developments in Papua with Dr. Hipo Wangge.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP134: Russia and Southeast Asia with Dr. Ian Storey
This episode looks at the relationship between Russia and Southeast Asia with Dr. Ian Storey building on his seminal book Putin’s Russia and Southeast Asia. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP133: Thailand’s Military with Dr. Paul Chambers
This episode looks at Thailand’s military and its changing political role with Dr. Paul Chambers.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP132: ASEAN’s E-Crises – Energy and E-Waste with Peter Cockcroft & Wong Pui Yi
This episode looks at two different crisis impacting the region – energy with Peter Cockcroft triggered by the Iran War and the management of E-Waste the product of rising tonnes being trafficking into the region with Basil Action Network’s Wong Pui Yi. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP131: Mekong River Politics with Brian Eyler
This episode examines the geopolitical and environmental issues connected to the Mekong River with Stimson Center’s Senior Fellow Brian Eyler. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP130: Non-Shifting Myanmar Politics with Lorcan Lovett
This episode examines recent developments in Myanmar, from changes in the military to the new federal arrangement announced by the National Unity Government with journalist Lorcan Lovett. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP129: Iran War and Southeast Asia with James Dorsey
This episode examines how the war in Iran is impacting geopolitics and economies in Southeast Asia with expert journalist James Dorsey. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP128: Labor Rights Trends in Southeast Asia with Benjamin Harkins
This episode looks at contemporary labor rights issues in Southeast Asia with ILO’s technical specialist Benjamin Harkins. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP127: New Zealand and Southeast Asia with Professor Malcolm McKinnon
This episode examines the New Zealand relationship with Southeast Asia with historian Malcolm McKinnon.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP126: Critical Minerals and Southeast Asia with Dr. Alvin Camba
This episode looks at the geopolitics of critical minerals in Southeast Asia with Dr. Alvin Camba.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP125: Indonesia’s Economic Tremors with Siwage Negara
This episode analyzes Indonesia's economic tremors with economist Dr Siwage Negara.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP124: Thailand’s Election with Ken Lohatepanont
This episode looks at Thailand’s 2026 general election with University of Michigan scholar Ken Lohatepanont, examining the victory of Bhumjaitai party, losses by Pheu Thai and People’s Party, changing voting patterns and implications ahead.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP123: Myanmar Five Years On
This episode looks at Myanmar’s junta’s election and reflects on the five-year anniversary of the 2021 coup. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP122: Philippines ASEAN Chairmanship with Dr. Don McLain Gill
This episode looks ahead at what to expect with the 2026 ASEAN chairmanship of the Philippines with Dr. Don McLain Gill.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP121: Contextualizing Vietnam’s Party Congress with Nguyen Khac Giang
This episode examines the Vietnam Party Congress with Nguyen Khac Giang, tracing developments and broader ongoing political reforms taking place in Vietnam.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP120: Cambodia Scam Centers with Jacob Sims
This episode looks at the extradition of Chen Xi to China from Cambodia and the broader geopolitics of Cambodia’s scam economy with Harvard University Asia Center Visiting Fellow Jacob Sims.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP119: Looking Back at 2025
This episode looks back at political developments in 2025, drawing attention to geopolitics, Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship, domestic power consolidation and strain and pressures for change. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP118: Myanmar's Junta Polls w/ Billy Ford
This episode looks at contemporary Myanmar politics at the end of the 2025 with SEAPI political analyst/fellow Billy Ford, focusing on the Myanmar junta election, challenges for the opposition/resistance and what to look out for ahead.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP117: Economic Shocks and Southeast Asia’s Resilience with Roland Rajah
This episode looks at the economy in Southeast Asia over the past year with Lowi Institute's Roland Rajah, highlighting shocks, resilience and variation across the region.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP116: Climate Governance in Southeast Asia with Sharon Seah
This episode looks at the recent COP30 meeting in Belem Brazil and how developments at the meeting connect to Southeast Asia, as well as policy trends around climate governance in ASEAN with Sharon Seah.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP115: Regional Lessons from Sabah Polls
This episode catches up on developments in the region after the Sabah polls hiatus and fleshes out the lessons from Malaysia’s Sabah’s 2025 state polls for understanding the region’s changing politics.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP114: AI Governance in Southeast Asia w/ Michael Bak
This episode looks at AI governance in Southeast Asia with Michael Bak, Head of Policy & Network of AI Safety Asia.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP113: Trump Comes to Malaysia / ASEAN with Dr. Ilango Karuppannan
This episode looks at US President Trump’s visit to Malaysia and the 47th ASEAN Summit/Meetings in Kuala Lumpur chaired by PM Anwar Ibrahim with Dr. Ilango Karuppanan.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP112: Myanmar and ASEAN with Dr. Moe Thuzar
This episode looks at how ASEAN has handled the conflict in Myanmar over the past year with Malaysia as Chair with Dr. Moe Thuzar of Singapore’s Iseas Yusof Ishak Institute.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP111: Timor Leste Enters ASEAN with Ivo Ribiero
This episode looks at Timor Leste’s entry into ASEAN with scholar and NBR Fellow Ivo Ribiero.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP110: Media Freedom in Southeast Asia with Bey Lih Yi
This episode reflects on the genocides impacting Southeast Asia and speaks with Committee to Project Journalist’s (CPJ) Bey Lih Yi on the challenges impacting media freedom in Southeast Asia. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP109: Trends in Transnational Crime with Jason Tower
This episode looks at trends regarding transnational crime/scam centers in Southeast Asia with transnational crime and security expert Jason Tower. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP108: Indonesia Civil-Military Relations w/ Natalie Sambhi & Reshuffle Insights by Wasisto Raharjo Jati
This episode looks at Indonesia’s civil-military relations with Verve Research’s Natalie Sambhi and shares observations on contemporary Indonesian politics with BRIN’s Wasisto Raharjo Jati.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP107: Bangsamoro Election with Georgi Engelbrecht
This episode looks at the coming Bangsamoro elections in the Philippines with Georgi Engelbrecht.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP106: India and Southeast Asia with Dr Rahul Mishra
This episode looks at India’s relationship with Southeast Asia with JNU’s associate professor Rahul Mishra. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP105: Papua’s Perpetual Conflict with Dr. Hipolitus Wangge
This episode looks at the conflict in Papua with Dr. Hipolitus Wangge, examining recent trends and challenges.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP104: Protests in Indonesia with Dr. Rendy Pahrun Wadipalapa
This episode discusses factors shaping the recent protests in Indonesia with Dr Rendy Pahrun Wadipalapa of BRIN. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP103: A Look at Laos with Dr Keith Barney
This episode focuses on contemporary developments and challenges facing Laos with Associate Professor Keith Barney of the Australian National University. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP102: Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy with Jonathan Berkshire Miller
This episode looks at Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy with Jonathan Berkshire Miller, and highlights Canada’s increased engagement with the region. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP101: Myanmar's Post-Coup Economic Transformation with Dr. Jared Bissenger
This episode looks at the major developments in Myanmar's economy since the junta coup of February 2021.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP100: Southern Thailand's Not So Contained Conflict with Don Pathan
This episode looks at the conflict in southern Thailand with long-term political analyst of this area Don Pathan.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP99: Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes with Professor Gregory Raymond
This episode looks at the border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand with Professor Gregory Raymond. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP98: A Pressure Game? Tariffs in Southeast Asia with Doris Liew
In this episode, we are joined by Economist Doris Liew in a look at how Southeast Asia is responding to the Trump administration’s tariffs. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP97: Protecting Myanmar Nationals in Thailand with HRW’s Nadia Hardman
This episode discusses the Human Rights Watch report on the vulnerabilities of Myanmar nationals in Thailand and explores possible solutions. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP96: Vietnam’s Administration Restructuring w/ Hanh Nguyen
This episode looks at Vietnam’s administrative reforms profoundly reshaping local government and relationships with citizens with Hanh Nguyen. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP95: Thailand’s Political Instability Persists with former MP Kunthida Rungruengkiat
This episode looks at developments in contemporary Thailand and factors impacting shaping instability with Thai academic, activist and former member of parliament Kunthida Rungruengkiat. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP94: Macron Courts ASEAN: France’s ‘Third Way’ with Juliette Loesch
This episode looks at France’s engagement with Southeast Asia with IFRI’s Juliette Loesch, with analysis of contemporary Thailand and fallout of the escalation of the Iran-Iraq War on Southeast Asia from co-host Zachary Abuza.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP93: Southeast Asia Goes Nuclear? A Look at Singapore with Dr. Alvin Chew
This episode looks at the transformation of Southeast Asia’s energy sector with a focus on nuclear power with Dr. Alvin Chew who concentrates on Singapore but also looks at trends across the region.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP92: Indonesia’s Prabowo Navigates Global Shifts with Dr Yohanes Sulaiman
This episode looks at Indonesian foreign policy under President Prabowo Subianto with Dr. Yohanes Sulaiman.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP91: ASEAN Resilience with Professor Dewi Fortuna Anwar
This episode looks at the recent ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur and challenges facing the regional organization with Prof Dewi Fortuna Anwar. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP90: Changing Elite Dynamics in Thailand? W/ Ken Lohatepanont
This episode discusses developments in elite politics in Thailand with scholar Ken Lohatepanont. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP89: A Look at Philippine Midterms with Professor Cleo Anne Calimbahin
This episode discusses the May 2025 Philippine midterm elections with ProCleo Anne Calimbahin, highlighting the changes in fortunes for prominent political families, the impact on President Marcos and potential for political reform ahead. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP88: Why the Funan Techo Canal Matters with Dr. Brian Eyler
This episode looks at the Funan Techo Canal in Cambodia and the challenges of transwater diplomacy in Southeast Asia with Dr. Brian Eyler.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP87: Philippines Mid-Term Elections with Professor Ronald Holmes
This episode looks at the upcoming May 12 midterm elections in the Philippines with Professor Ronald Holmes of De La Salle University. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP86: Reflecting on 50th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon with Dr. Huong Le Thu
This episode examines the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, and Vietnam’s political, diplomatic, and economic development since then, and the 30th anniversary of the founding of bilateral diplomatic relations between the US and Vietnam with Dr. Huong Le Thu, deputy Director for Asia at the International Crisis Group.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP85: Singapore Goes to Polls with Dr. Elvin Ong
This episode looks at Singapore’s 15th General Election with Dr. Elvin Ong, discussing the issues and how politics in Southeast Asia’s city-state are changing. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP84: China Comes to Town: President Xi’s Visit to Malaysia with Assoc Prof Khoo Hing Yooi
This episode looks at China President Xi Jinpeng’s historic visit to Southeast Asia, focusing in on Malaysia with Assoc Prof Khoo Hing Yooi. Discussion also looks at ASEAN and the Myanmar earthquake. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP83: Food Security and Tariffs in Southeast Asia with Dr Jose Ma. Luis P. Montesclaros
This episode examines food security in Southeast Asia with RSIS’s Dr Jose Ma. Luis P. Montesclaros, paying special attention to the impact of the US-China trade war and tariffs. We also reflect on the legacy of Malaysia’s fifth prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP82: Aftershocks: Myanmar and Tariffs w/ Khin Ohmar
This episode looks in-depth at the Myanmar earthquake, the domestic and international responses and broader implications with Khin Ohmar from of Progressive Voices, Myanmar Human Rights Council.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP81: Shocks in Southeast Asia – An Earthquake & Trump Tariffs with Steven Okun
This episode looks at key developments in Southeast Asia as the region is facing shocks from earthquakes to cuts in humanitarian aid, before turning to a conversation with US policy analyst Steven Okun on how the Trump tariffs are unfolding in Southeast Asia. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP80: TNI’s Empowerment & Democratic Erosion in Indonesia w/ Virdika Rizky Utama
This episode looks at recent measures by the Prabowo Subianto government that have caused concerns about an erosion of democracy and weakening of governance in Indonesia, from the new bill on military (TNI) power to attacks on civil society and media. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP79: Duterte’s Arrest and its Aftermath with Carlos Conde
This episode looks at the arrest of Rodrigo Duterte with Carlos Conde of Human Rights Watch who argues for the need to look beyond the elites to the victims of the crimes against humanity conducted. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP78: Democracy under Threat in Southeast Asia with Phil Robertson
This episode looks at trends in democratic backsliding and challenges to human rights in the region with human rights activist Phil Robertson. We are a pivotal point in democracy in Southeast Asia, with the withdrawal of support for aid and rise of new threats to human rights.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP77: Media in Exile in Myanmar with Aye Chan Naing
In this climate of cuts in support for democracy and serious challenges facing journalism, this episode looks at how the Democratic Voice of Burma has not only survived but thrived with its co-founder Aye Chan Naing. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP76: Southeast Asia the Ukraine-Russia War with Dr. Radityo Dharmaputra
This episode looks at Southeast Asia’s view of the Ukraine-Russia war on the week of the three year anniversary of the Russia invasion of Ukraine. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP75: Tackling Scam Victimization in Southeast Asia - Hishamuddin Hashim, Malaysia International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO)
This episode looks at how civil society in Southeast Asia is working to address the increasing victimization of citizens in the region with a focus on rescue operations of Malaysian victims.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP74: Trump’s 1st Round Tariffs and Southeast Asia w/ Trinh Nguyen
This episode will look at the first round of tariffs of the Trump administration and how they may impact Southeast Asia and look ahead to what could be consequences for future tariffs on businesses and economies in the region with economist Trinh Nguyen.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP73: Humanitarian Aid in Southeast Asia w/ Grace Stanhope & Dr. Alistair D.B. Cook
This episode looks at humanitarian aid in Southeast Asia and analyzes trends and effects of the recent freeze on international support by the United States on the region.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP72: The Road for Myanmar with NUG’s U Kyaw Zaw
On the four-year anniversary of Myanmar’s coup, this episode discusses governance in Myanmar with U Kyaw Zaw, the spokesperson of President's Office of National Unity Government, highlighting the junta’s mismanagement and high costs of a proposed ‘election’. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP71: Social Media Contestation in Southeast Asia with Dr Benjamin YH Loh
This episode looks at recent trends in social media contestation in Southeast Asia and their impact on the region’s politics. Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
EP70: From Biden to Trump: Change is in the Air
With a focus on US policy towards Southeast Asia, this episode looks back at the legacy of the Biden administration and forward to the incoming Trump administration.Stay informed on our website:https://straighttalkseasia.com/
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