The State of Southeast Asia 2024 Survey Report, published by the ASEAN Studies Centre at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore, has garnered significant attention since its release. The survey, conducted from January 3 to February 23, 2024, gathered responses from 1,994 participants across ten Southeast Asian nations. It offers valuable insights into the region’s perspectives on political-strategic, economic, soft power, and hard power issues.
The most striking finding is the shift in regional support from the US to China. China is now perceived as the most influential economic (59.5%) and political-strategic (43.9%) power in Southeast Asia, while the US trails behind with only 25.8% political and strategic influence. This is a significant change from previous surveys, indicating a growing perception of China’s dominance in the region.
The survey also highlights the ongoing challenges facing Southeast Asia. Unemployment and the economic downturn continue to be the most pressing concerns, with 57.7% of respondents citing them as major obstacles. The region is also highly vulnerable to climate change and extreme weather conditions, with 53.4% of respondents expressing concern about these challenges.
Other notable findings include the diminished influence of the European Union and India in Southeast Asia, the growing threat of global scam operations originating from Cambodia, and the decreasing perception of ASEAN’s effectiveness in addressing regional challenges.
The survey underscores the complex geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia, with multiple challenges and opportunities shaping the region’s future. It emphasizes the need for ASEAN and its dialogue partners to address regional issues through effective collaboration and to strengthen ASEAN’s role in navigating the evolving political and economic dynamics of the region.
