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Sebastian Strangio

Sebastian Strangio

Sebastian Strangio is Southeast Asia editor at The Diplomat. 

In 2008, he began his career as a reporter at The Phnom Penh Post in Cambodia, and has since traveled and reported extensively across the 10 nations of ASEAN. Sebastian’s writing has appeared in leading publications including Foreign Affairs, the Los Angeles Review of Books, and The New York Times, The Diplomat, and Nikkei Asian Review, among many others. He is the author of “Hun Sen’s Cambodia” (Yale, 2014), a path-breaking examination of Cambodia since the fall of the Khmer Rouge, and “In the Dragon’s Shadow: Southeast Asia in the Chinese Century (Yale, 2020). 

Alongside his journalistic work, Sebastian has also consulted for a wide variety of economic risk firms and non-government organizations, and is quoted frequently in the international media on political developments in Southeast Asia. Sebastian holds a B.A. and Master’s degree in international politics from The University of Melbourne. He currently lives in Adelaide.

You can get in touch with Sebastian via Twitter, Facebook, or email.

Posts by Sebastian Strangio
April 26, 2024

France, Philippines to Begin Negotiating Reciprocal Access Agreement

By Sebastian Strangio
The two sides say that the pact, first announced late last year, will create a foundation for enhanced defense cooperation.

April 26, 2024

Indonesia’s Prabowo On Brink of Parliamentary Majority After Receiving Rival Party’s Backing

By Sebastian Strangio
The NasDem party, which backed a competing presidential candidate, said it was ready to pledge its "full support" for the ex-general's administration.
April 24, 2024

Indonesian President No Longer a Member of PDI-P After Backing Rival Candidate, Party Says

By Sebastian Strangio
A senior official confirmed that Joko Widodo lost his membership after refusing to endorse its presidential candidate in February's election.

April 24, 2024

Myanmar Military Reoccupies Myawaddy Base as Karen Rebels Withdraw

By Sebastian Strangio
The Karen National Union said that its forces were pulling back from the important border hub to avoid harm to the local population.

April 23, 2024

Vietnamese Authorities Arrest Assistant to National Assembly Chairman

By Sebastian Strangio
Coming amid rumors of further political shake-ups, the arrest casts a shadow over the political future of Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue.

April 23, 2024

Indonesian Court Rejects Petitions Seeking Rerun of Presidential Election

By Sebastian Strangio
The Constitutional Court's expected verdict has removed the final obstacle to Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto taking office in October.
April 22, 2024

Thousands of Refugees Flee Fighting in Southeastern Myanmar

By Sebastian Strangio
The military junta and ethnic Karen rebels continue to fight for control of the town of Myawaddy on the border with Thailand.

April 19, 2024

ASEAN Calls Again for End to Myanmar Violence As Conflicts Flare

By Sebastian Strangio
Foreign ministers from the Southeast Asian bloc have spoken out following the fall of Myawaddy on the Thai border.

April 19, 2024

US, Philippines to Kick Off ‘Expansive’ Balikatan Exercise

By Sebastian Strangio
This year's exercise, the 39th iteration since 1991, will be the first to take place outside the Philippines territorial waters.

April 18, 2024

Myanmar Military Releases Over 3,000 Prisoners in Thingyan Amnesty

By Sebastian Strangio
Among those released was Dr. Hkalam Samson, a prominent Kachin Christian leader, and three members of the National League for Democracy.

April 18, 2024

Apple Considering Opening a Factory in Indonesia, CEO Says

By Sebastian Strangio
Tim Cook said that the giant tech firm would "look at" options in Indonesia, as it continues to reduce its heavy reliance on Chinese supply chains.
April 17, 2024

Who Is Lawrence Wong, Singapore’s Next Prime Minister?

By Sebastian Strangio
The deputy prime minister will take over from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong next month.

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