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Prashanth Parameswaran

Prashanth Parameswaran

Dr. Prashanth Parameswaran is a Senior Columnist at The Diplomat, a Fellow at the Wilson Center’s Asia Program, and the Founder of the weekly ASEAN Wonk newsletter.

Dr. Prashanth Parameswaran is a Senior Columnist at The Diplomat, a Fellow at the Wilson Center’s Asia Program, and the Founder of the weekly ASEAN Wonk newsletter, a research hub focused on advancing a global and comprehensive approach to analyzing Southeast Asia and Indo-Pacific foreign and security policy.

A political scientist by training, Dr. Parameswaran’s research and analysis focuses on Southeast Asian political and security issues, Asian defense affairs, U.S. foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific and global geopolitical and geoeconomic developments. He has held roles linked to think tanks, media, business, and government in the United States and in the Asia-Pacific.

Dr. Parameswaran has conducted grant-based field research across the region, consulted for companies and governments, taught courses affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of State, and authored policy reports, journal articles, and book chapters on Asian affairs. His research and commentary have been published widely in the United States and across the region in leading publications and journals including CNN, The Washington Post, The South China Morning Post, The Straits Times, Asia Policy, and Contemporary Southeast Asia. His first book, Elusive Balances: Shaping U.S.-Southeast Asia Strategy, which was published in 2022, developed an original framework for understanding major power commitments to regions and applied it to the evolution of U.S. commitment to Southeast Asia.

Dr. Parameswaran holds a Ph.D. and an MA focused on international relations, international business, and U.S. foreign policy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, and a BA in foreign affairs and peace and conflict studies from the University of Virginia.

Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn, and get in touch via email.

Posts by Prashanth Parameswaran
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February 06, 2020

New Revelation of China-Cambodia Secret Visit Heightens Military Links Fears

By Prashanth Parameswaran
A new report deepens the concerns regarding China’s military influence in Cambodia.
February 05, 2020

Myanmar’s Contested Civil-Military Relations in the Spotlight With New Spat

By Prashanth Parameswaran
A recent incident served as yet another reminder of the complex and contested dynamics of civil-military relations in the country and the sensitivities therein.

February 05, 2020

US-Malaysia Security Cooperation in the Headlines with Aircraft Mission Systems Transfer

By Prashanth Parameswaran
A reported development provided a window on some of the ongoing functional cooperation between the two countries in spite of wider challenges for bilateral ties.

February 05, 2020

What Does a New Philippines Navy Chief Mean for the Country’s Security?

By Prashanth Parameswaran
A closer look at the potential significance of the appointment.

February 04, 2020

ASEAN Coronavirus Security Consultation Puts Center for Military Medicine Into Focus

By Prashanth Parameswaran
The engagement highlighted one aspect of Southeast Asia’s ongoing response to the coronavirus.
February 03, 2020

US ASEAN Counterterrorism Cooperation in the Headlines with Regional Conference

By Prashanth Parameswaran
A recent engagement spotlighted Washington’s wider counterterrorism role in the subregion.

February 03, 2020

Brunei’s Defense Planning in the Spotlight With Exercise Setia Bersama

By Prashanth Parameswaran
The recent drills provided a rare window into how the country thinks and acts with respect to its defense.
February 03, 2020

Commissioning Ceremony Puts Singapore’s Littoral Mission Vessel Program Into Focus

By Prashanth Parameswaran
The commissioning of three vessels marks the quick completion and operationalization of the program for Singapore’s Navy.

February 01, 2020

Indonesia’s Submarine Capabilities in the Headlines with New Sea Trials

By Prashanth Parameswaran
Jakarta’s conducting of trials with respect to its first indigenously-assembled submarine put the focus on a key aspect of its capabilities.

January 30, 2020

Defense Ministers Meeting Puts the Focus on Indonesia-Malaysia Security Ties

By Prashanth Parameswaran
The latest interaction spotlighted ongoing efforts by both countries to manage the defense aspect of their relationship.

January 28, 2020

What’s Next for Vietnam’s Maritime Militia?

By Prashanth Parameswaran
Vietnam’s development of so-called maritime militias continues to surface in the headlines within its wider range of capabilities.
January 28, 2020

First Australia Defense Secretary Brunei Visit Puts Bilateral Security Ties in Focus

By Prashanth Parameswaran
The interaction spotlighted ongoing efforts by both sides to foster collaboration in their defense ties.

Page 13 of 188