Southeast Asia is entering 2026 facing a more complex and uncertain risk environment, shaped by intensifying competition between the US and China, global economic tensions, and climate change threats.
According to the State of Southeast Asia: 2026 Survey Report by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Southeast Asia is increasingly concerned not just with individual risks, but with how they overlap and reinforce each other.
The result is a region navigating both external pressure and internal vulnerability at the same time.
US Policy Risks Reshape Regional Economic Outlook
One of the most significant findings is the rising concern over the United States. Around 51.9% of survey respondents identified US leadership under President Donald Trump as their primary geopolitical concern, marking a clear increase from the previous year.
This shift is largely driven by economic policy. Trade measures, including tariffs and sanctions, are seen as direct
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