The Diplomat  |  Author

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
Page 18 of 188
December 09, 2019

Why the New US-Singapore Guam Fighter Training Detachment Pact Matters

By Prashanth Parameswaran
The pact constitutes yet another boost for the U.S.-Singapore defense relationship in spite of wider challenges that remain for ties.  
December 06, 2019

New Military Vehicles Put China-Thailand Defense Relations Into Focus

By Prashanth Parameswaran
The delivery reinforced the fact that aspects of security ties continue to be advanced by both sides in spite of challenges.

December 06, 2019

Philippines Submarine Quest: What’s in the French Option?

By Prashanth Parameswaran
Recent developments have spotlighted the French Scorpene within the choices the Philippines has in a potential submarine quest.

December 04, 2019

What to Make of Malaysia’s New Defense White Paper Launch

By Prashanth Parameswaran
The adoption of the document has highlighted both the opportunities and challenges it offers for the country’s defense policy.

December 03, 2019

What Do the Philippines’ New Cobra Helicopters Mean for Its Military?

By Prashanth Parameswaran
The used helicopters were finally delivered to the country from Jordan last week.  
December 03, 2019

What’s in the Malaysia-Russia Fighter Jet Exchange Deal?

By Prashanth Parameswaran
While speculation on the agreement continues to fuel headlines, there are few concrete indications about how it could play out.

December 03, 2019

Could Britain Really Lose a Military Base in Brunei?

By Prashanth Parameswaran
A closer look at whether recent speculation holds up.
December 02, 2019

Joint Defense Working Committee Meeting Puts Australia-Brunei Security Ties in the Spotlight

By Prashanth Parameswaran
The holding of the consultations spotlighted some of the avenues of collaboration both sides are pursuing on the security side.

December 02, 2019

Defense Minister Visit Highlights Mongolia-Vietnam Security Ties

By Prashanth Parameswaran
A recent engagement highlighted ongoing efforts by both sides to advance aspects of their defense collaboration.

December 02, 2019

Philippines-Vietnam Navy Talks Spotlight Maritime Security Collaboration

By Prashanth Parameswaran
The staff-to-staff talks come ahead of 2020 which will put the focus on maritime issues within both countries’ foreign policies.

December 01, 2019

Termsak Chalermpalanupap on ASEAN’s Year in Review

By Prashanth Parameswaran
Assessing the outcomes of the 2019 ASEAN summits.
November 29, 2019

Beyond the Trump-Hun Sen Letters, Where Will a US-Cambodia Thaw End Up?

By Prashanth Parameswaran
Amid the spotlight on the correspondence by the two leaders looms the bigger question of what a recalibrated relationship may look like and how it will evolve in the future.

Page 18 of 188