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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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April 01, 2020

The Geopolitics of Southeast Asia’s Coronavirus Challenge

By Prashanth Parameswaran
While the dust is still settling, it is worth examining what the potential geopolitical implications of COVID-19 will be on the region.
March 31, 2020

China-Laos Relations in Focus with New Railway Project Milestone

By Prashanth Parameswaran
The kicking off of track laying work spotlighted the development of a key infrastructure project within the bilateral relationship.

March 31, 2020

China’s Mekong Security Role in the Headlines with New Joint Patrols

By Prashanth Parameswaran
The latest patrols spotlighted China’s efforts to boost security collaboration with Mekong states despite the challenges that remain.

March 31, 2020

What Lies Ahead for Thailand’s Outer Space Ambitions?

By Prashanth Parameswaran
The postponement of a planned launch nonetheless spotlighted Bangkok’s wider space plans.

March 31, 2020

What’s Next for the Philippines Communist Insurgency Under Duterte?

By Prashanth Parameswaran
A closer look at the state of one of Asia’s longest-running insurgencies and its future prospects.
March 31, 2020

New Temburong Bridge Opening Highlights China-Brunei Relations Amid Coronavirus Challenge

By Prashanth Parameswaran
A closer look at the recent unveiling of the key infrastructure project.

March 30, 2020

Drone Delivery Puts the Focus on US-Malaysia Security Cooperation

By Prashanth Parameswaran
The recent development put the spotlight on ongoing defense collaboration despite ongoing challenges for ties.
March 30, 2020

What’s Next for Timor-Leste’s Politics?

By Prashanth Parameswaran
Even if a new government does take office soon, the country faces some significant challenges ahead.

March 26, 2020

The Significance of a New Japan-Philippines Air Defense Radar System Deal

By Prashanth Parameswaran
If the deal is finalized as reports suggest, it would have strategic significance for Japan’s growing regional security role and for the bilateral relationship.

March 25, 2020

What Does Myanmar’s New Arakan Army Terrorist Designation Mean for the Country’s Security?

By Prashanth Parameswaran
The move puts the focus on Naypyidaw’s approach to the group and the situation in Rakhine state amid wider political and security developments.

March 24, 2020

Indonesia’s Terrorism Challenge in the Headlines with Jemaah Islamiyah Leader Trial

By Prashanth Parameswaran
The proceedings highlighted the terrorism threat that continues to loom over the Southeast Asian state.
March 24, 2020

What’s in the New Indonesia F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Chatter?

By Prashanth Parameswaran
Speculation continues regarding how Jakarta will move forward on a longstanding requirement in its defense plans.

Page 7 of 188