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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
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November 18, 2024

Rights Group Demands Investigation of Myanmar National’s Death in Thailand

By Sebastian Strangio
The advocacy group Fortify Rights said that Thai soldiers were responsible for the torture and killing of Aung Ko Ko, 37, in January.
November 18, 2024

China, Myanmar to Establish Joint Security Company, Reports Say

By Sebastian Strangio
As the military junta loses ground, Beijing's concern about the fate of Chinese assets and personnel inside the country is growing.

November 15, 2024

Philippine President Says He Will Allow ICC Probe if Predecessor Wants It

By Sebastian Strangio
This week, former President Rodrigo Duterte told the international tribunal to "hurry up" with its investigation into his bloody "war on drugs."

November 15, 2024

Malaysia to Protest Passage of Philippine Maritime Laws, Government Says

By Sebastian Strangio
Kuala Lumpur believes that the recently enacted legislation encroaches on a long-standing dispute over the eastern Malaysian state of Sabah.

November 14, 2024

Thailand Announces New Holidays in Bid to Stoke Tourism Growth

By Sebastian Strangio
The country is already on track for a full recovery from the downturn that accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic.
November 14, 2024

Indonesian President Vows to Defend Sovereignty in South China Sea

By Sebastian Strangio
Prabowo Subianto's comments came four days after he signed an agreement in China that appeared to recognize Beijing's expansive maritime claim.

November 13, 2024

Former Malaysian Finance Minister Daim Zainuddin Dies at Age 86

By Sebastian Strangio
The lawyer-turned-businessman was a key economic powerbroker under former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.
November 13, 2024

Indonesia’s Prabowo Meets With President Biden on US Trip

By Sebastian Strangio
The Indonesian leader also spoke by phone with President-elect Donald Trump, congratulating him on his recent election victory.

November 12, 2024

China Declares Baselines Around Disputed South China Sea Shoal

By Sebastian Strangio
The move was a direct response to the Philippines' enactment of two new laws aimed at strengthening the country's own maritime claims.

November 12, 2024

Did Indonesia Just Capitulate to China on the South China Sea?

By Sebastian Strangio
Over the weekend, the two nations signed a joint development agreement that refers to "overlapping claims" in the disputed waterway.

November 11, 2024

Thai Economists Warn of Political Interference in Central Bank Selection

By Sebastian Strangio
The government has nominated ex-Finance Minister Kittirat Na Ranong, a loyalist of the ruling Pheu Thai party, as the next chairman of the Bank of Thailand.
November 11, 2024

Philippines’ Marcos Signs Laws Aimed at Strengthening Maritime Claims

By Sebastian Strangio
The enactment of the new legislation prompted the Chinese government to lodge a “stern protest” with Manila.

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