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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
September 16, 2024

Indonesia, Vietnam Agree to Move Toward Diplomatic Upgrade

By Sebastian Strangio
Indonesia would become the eighth nation, and the first in ASEAN, to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with Hanoi.

September 16, 2024

Philippines to Maintain Constant Presence at Sabina Shoal, Coast Guard Says

By Sebastian Strangio
The withdrawal of the PCG's flagship has prompted some to claim that Beijing has forced Manila to back down at Sabina Shoal.
September 10, 2024

Myanmar Armed Group Seizes Naval Training Center in Rakhine State

By Sebastian Strangio
The Maung Shwe Lay Navy Base is the first major Myanmar Navy facility to fall to resistance forces.

September 10, 2024

Philippine President Promises ‘No Special Treatment’ for Celebrity Preacher

By Sebastian Strangio
Apollo Quiboloy, who is accused of a raft of charges including child sexual abuse, will face charges in the Philippines before extradition to the United States.

September 09, 2024

After Swearing-in, Thailand’s New Government Announces Policy Focus

By Sebastian Strangio
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra says she will focus on reviving the economy, but this depends on surviving in office long enough to implement her policies.

September 09, 2024

Fugitive Philippine Pastor Surrenders to Police After Long Manhunt

By Sebastian Strangio
Apollo Quiboloy, a self-proclaimed "son of God," is wanted for sex trafficking and child abuse in both the Philippines and the United States.
September 06, 2024

PM Anwar Says Malaysia Will Not Halt Oil and Gas Exploration in South China Sea

By Sebastian Strangio
The PM's comments came after the publication of a leaked Chinese diplomatic note ordering the country to cease exploration activities in the South China Sea.

September 06, 2024

Indonesia Deports Fugitive Philippine Mayor Accused of Involvement in Cyberscams

By Sebastian Strangio
The extradition brings an end to a months-long manhunt for Alice Guo, the primary subject of a Senate investigation into online gaming and scam operations.

September 04, 2024

Thai PM Confirms ‘Digital Wallet’ Will Go Ahead, Flags Cash Payments

By Sebastian Strangio
The Pheu Thai Party's controversial 450 billion baht stimulus program has been criticized as wasteful and fiscally irresponsible.

September 04, 2024

Myanmar’s Border Trade With China and Thailand Has Collapsed

By Sebastian Strangio
Ethnic armed groups opposed to the military now control trade routes accounting for 91 percent of the country's overland trade with China.

September 03, 2024

Myanmar Announces Census as Prelude to Long-Delayed Election

By Sebastian Strangio
Due to the security situation, a comprehensive census, let alone a multiparty election, will remain a remote prospect for the foreseeable future.
September 03, 2024

New Cabinet Finalized and Awaits King’s Approval, Thai PM Says

By Sebastian Strangio
The new cabinet line-up has not been officially announced, but is likely to feature a mix of continuity and change.

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