Navigating Geopolitical Currents: How Southeast Asia Can Thrive Amid Global Supply Chain Shifts
The global trading economy is at a crossroads, and Southeast Asia finds itself at the center of a geopolitical storm. With the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House,the fracturing of globalized supply chains,particularly in high-tech industries,could accelerate. This seismic shift is further complicated by the EU and Japan’s aggressive ‘reshoring’ policies and China’s rapid advancements in renewable energy and advanced manufacturing. Against this backdrop,the Regional Strategic and Political Studies Program at ISEAS – yusof Ishak Institute recently hosted a hybrid seminar to explore how Southeast Asian states can navigate these turbulent waters and even thrive.
The Geopolitical Landscape: A Fragmented Global Economy
Table of Contents
- The Geopolitical Landscape: A Fragmented Global Economy
- Southeast Asia’s Role in Global Supply Chains
- Meet the Experts: Insights from john Lee and Dr. Gong Xue
- How to Attend: In-Person or Virtually
- Key Takeaways
- Final Thoughts
- Navigating Geopolitical Currents: How Southeast Asia Can Thrive Amid Global Supply Chain Shifts
The seminar highlighted how the global trading economy is increasingly fragmented. “Trump’s return to the White House could accelerate the fracturing of the global trading economy, and especially of globalised supply chains for high technology industries,” noted the event description. This fracturing is not limited to the US; the EU and Japan are also doubling down on enterprising ‘reshoring’ and industrial policies, driven by domestic political pressure to protect key industries.
China, meanwhile, is rapidly rising in renewable energy and advanced manufacturing sectors. Though, Beijing faces meaningful challenges in circumventing the growing array of technology barriers imposed by the US. These barriers are putting immense pressure on third countries to align with US policies, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
Southeast Asia’s Role in Global Supply Chains
The seminar focused on how these political forces are impacting global supply chains, particularly in the automotive and biotech sectors. Southeast Asia, with its strategic location and growing industrial base, has the potential to play a pivotal role in this evolving landscape. But can the region navigate these currents and emerge stronger?
According to the seminar, the answer lies in leveraging its unique position. Southeast Asian states must balance their relationships with major powers while fostering regional cooperation to build resilient supply chains. This requires not only economic agility but also a deep understanding of the geopolitical forces at play.
Meet the Experts: Insights from john Lee and Dr. Gong Xue
The seminar featured two distinguished speakers who provided valuable insights into these complex dynamics.
Mr.John Lee,a Visiting Fellow at the Regional Strategic and Political Studies Programme, is an expert on China’s advanced technology industries. His work focuses on semiconductors, telecoms, and internet of things technologies, as well as China’s engagement with global internet governance. With master’s degrees in international law and war studies, Lee brings a unique perspective to the challenges facing Southeast Asia.
Dr. Gong Xue, an Assistant Professor at Nanyang Technological University, specializes in International Political Economy and China’s economic diplomacy. Her research on regionalism and governance offers critical insights into how Southeast asia can navigate the shifting geopolitical landscape.
How to Attend: In-Person or Virtually
The hybrid seminar, held at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, offered attendees the flexibility to participate in person or virtually. For those attending in person, registration was available via the ISEAS mobile app, accessible on both the Apple Store and Play Store. Virtual attendees could register through a dedicated Zoom link to receive their unique login details.
Key Takeaways
| Topic | Key Insights |
|——————————-|———————————————————————————|
| Global Supply Chain Fracturing | Accelerated by US policies, EU/Japan reshoring, and China’s technological rise. |
| southeast Asia’s Role | Potential to thrive by balancing relationships and fostering regional cooperation. |
| Focus Sectors | Automotive and biotech industries are particularly impacted. |
| Expert Insights | John Lee and Dr. Gong Xue provide deep dives into geopolitical and economic dynamics. |
Final Thoughts
As the global trading economy undergoes profound changes, Southeast Asia stands at a critical juncture. The insights shared at this seminar underscore the importance of strategic agility and regional cooperation in navigating these challenges. Whether attending in person or virtually,participants gained valuable perspectives on how the region can not only survive but thrive in an increasingly fragmented world.
For those interested in exploring these topics further, the Regional Strategic and Political Studies Programme offers a wealth of resources and upcoming events. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with leading experts and stay ahead of the curve in understanding the geopolitical forces shaping our world.
the global trading economy is at a crossroads, and Southeast asia finds itself at the center of a geopolitical storm. With the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House, the fracturing of globalized supply chains, especially in high-tech industries, could accelerate. This seismic shift is further complicated by the EU and Japan’s aggressive ‘reshoring’ policies and China’s rapid advancements in renewable energy and advanced manufacturing. Against this backdrop, the Regional Strategic and Political Studies Program at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute recently hosted a hybrid seminar to explore how Southeast Asian states can navigate these turbulent waters and even thrive.
The Geopolitical Landscape: A Fragmented Global Economy
The seminar highlighted how the global trading economy is increasingly fragmented. “Trump’s return to the white House could accelerate the fracturing of the global trading economy, and especially of globalized supply chains for high-technology industries,” noted the event description. This fracturing is not limited to the US; the EU and Japan are also doubling down on enterprising ‘reshoring’ and industrial policies, driven by domestic political pressure to protect key industries.
China, meanwhile, is rapidly rising in renewable energy and advanced manufacturing sectors. Though, Beijing faces meaningful challenges in circumventing the growing array of technology barriers imposed by the US. These barriers are putting immense pressure on third countries to align with US policies,further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
Southeast Asia’s Role in Global Supply Chains
The seminar focused on how these political forces are impacting global supply chains, particularly in the automotive and biotech sectors.Southeast Asia, with it’s strategic location and growing industrial base, has the potential to play a pivotal role in this evolving landscape. But can the region navigate these currents and emerge stronger?
According to the seminar, the answer lies in leveraging its unique position. Southeast Asian states must balance their relationships with major powers while fostering regional cooperation to build resilient supply chains. This requires not only economic agility but also a deep understanding of the geopolitical forces at play.
Meet the Experts: Insights from John Lee and Dr. Gong Xue
The seminar featured two distinguished speakers who provided valuable insights into these complex dynamics.
Mr. John Lee, a Visiting Fellow at the Regional Strategic and Political Studies Program, is an expert on China’s advanced technology industries.His work focuses on semiconductors, telecoms, and internet of things technologies, and also China’s engagement with global internet governance. With master’s degrees in international law and war studies, Lee brings a unique perspective to the challenges facing Southeast Asia.
Dr. Gong Xue, an Assistant Professor at Nanyang Technological University, specializes in International Political Economy and China’s economic diplomacy. Her research on regionalism and governance offers critical insights into how Southeast Asia can navigate the shifting geopolitical landscape.
How to Attend: In-Person or Virtually
the hybrid seminar, held at ISEAS – Yusof ishak Institute, offered attendees the versatility to participate in person or virtually. For those attending in person, registration was available via the ISEAS mobile app, accessible on both the Apple Store and Play Store. Virtual attendees could register through a dedicated Zoom link to receive their unique login details.
Key Takeaways
| Topic | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Global Supply Chain Fracturing | accelerated by US policies, EU/Japan reshoring, and China’s technological rise. |
| Southeast Asia’s Role | Potential to thrive by balancing relationships and fostering regional cooperation. |
| Focus Sectors | Automotive and biotech industries are particularly impacted. |
| Expert Insights | John Lee and Dr. Gong Xue provide deep dives into geopolitical and economic dynamics. |
final Thoughts
As the global trading economy undergoes profound changes, Southeast asia stands at a critical juncture. the insights shared at this seminar underscore the importance of strategic agility and regional cooperation in navigating these challenges. Whether attending in person or virtually, participants gained valuable perspectives on how the region can not only survive but thrive in an increasingly fragmented world.
For those interested in exploring these topics further, the Regional Strategic and Political Studies Programme offers a wealth of resources and upcoming events. Don’t miss the possibility to engage with leading experts and stay ahead of the curve in understanding the geopolitical forces shaping our world.
