Geopolitical dynamics in Southeast Asia are currently influenced by various factors, including international relations, regional conflicts, and economic developments. This region is the object of global attention because of its strategic location between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. One of the main challenges in Southeast Asia is increasing tensions in the South China Sea. Countries such as China, Vietnam and the Philippines are involved in complex territorial disputes. Deforestation of this maritime control area is taking place as China expands infrastructure and claims most of the sea. The move has raised concerns among neighboring countries, who fear losing rights to resources and important trade routes. The US role in this region cannot be ignored either. The Pivot to Asia strategy implemented by the Obama administration, continued by Biden, shows the US’s commitment to balancing China’s influence. In this context, defense agreements with countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia lead to closer military cooperation. Through joint military exercises, the US wants to strengthen alliances to maintain stability and reduce regional aggression. In addition, ASEAN as a regional organization seeks to encourage economic and political integration among its members. Initiatives such as RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) provide opportunities to stimulate trade and investment in the region. However, challenges in achieving consensus among member states often hinder progress. Political disputes and differences in national interests also require ASEAN to be more adaptive in dealing with global issues. The involvement of large countries such as Japan and India is becoming increasingly prominent. Japan seeks to strengthen economic and security ties with ASEAN countries through development assistance and investment. Meanwhile, India has stepped up maritime cooperation with countries to the south, addressing the security threat posed by China in the region. The crisis in Myanmar after the military coup is also in the spotlight. This unstable situation has the potential to have regional impacts, considering that the economy and social stability in neighboring countries could be disrupted. The international community’s response, including sanctions, does not appear to be effective in encouraging positive change in the country. The issue of climate change must also be taken into account in a geopolitical context. Many countries in Southeast Asia are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise and natural disasters. This forces countries to collaborate in natural resource management and disaster risk mitigation, which in turn influences regional political and economic dynamics. Through this perspective, it can be seen that geopolitics in Southeast Asia is a complex interaction of various factors that describe challenges and opportunities for countries in the region. Adaptation, cooperation and diplomacy are the keys to facing an uncertain future.
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