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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
Page 3 of 169
February 11, 2025

Neil Loughlin on Cambodia’s Coercive State

By Sebastian Strangio
The ruling party's power "stems from control over state institutions, security forces, and economic resources rather than genuine popular support."
February 11, 2025

Philippines on Cusp of Major Defense Pacts with New Zealand, Canada

By Sebastian Strangio
The planned visiting forces agreements reflect Manila's efforts to broaden and deepen its defense partnerships in the face of growing Chinese pressure.

February 10, 2025

Philippine Vice President Duterte Vows to Fight Impeachment

By Sebastian Strangio
Sara Duterte said that it was too early to consider resigning, which would preempt the impeachment and preserve her ability to run for office in future.

February 10, 2025

Thai Workers Return Home From Gaza After 15 Months in Captivity

By Sebastian Strangio
Of the 31 Thai agricultural workers captured by Hamas in October 2023, just one remains in captivity.

February 07, 2025

Malaysia ‘Strongly Opposes’ Forced Resettlement of Palestinians From Gaza

By Sebastian Strangio
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government has been among the staunchest critics of Israel's attacks on Gaza.
February 07, 2025

Thailand and China Should Deepen Relations Amid ‘Unprecedented Changes’, Xi Says

By Sebastian Strangio
The Chinese leader also thanked visiting Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra for her government's actions against online scamming compounds in Myanmar.

February 06, 2025

Philippine Lawmakers Vote to Impeach Vice President Sara Duterte

By Sebastian Strangio
The vote marks the culmination of a bitter feud between Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
February 06, 2025

Malaysian Government Moves to Block Ex-PM Najib’s House Arrest Bid

By Sebastian Strangio
The Attorney General's Chambers is seeking to challenge an Appeal Court decision that ruled in favor of imprisoned former leader Najib Razak last month.

February 05, 2025

Thailand Cuts Electricity to Scam Sanctuaries Across Myanmar Border

By Sebastian Strangio
The measures were announced on the eve of PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra's state visit to China, during which she is set to discuss anti-scam efforts with Xi Jinping.

February 05, 2025

Indonesia Approves Creation of Second Sovereign Investment Fund

By Sebastian Strangio
The Danantara fund, which will be seeded with at least $61 billion, will be placed under the direct supervision of the president's office.

February 04, 2025

British Environmental Journalist Blocked From Re-entering Cambodia

By Sebastian Strangio
The government's decision to void the visa of Gerry Flynn, 33, reflects the increasingly straitened circumstances of the Cambodian media.
February 04, 2025

Philippines Declares Food Security Emergency to Bring Down Rice Prices

By Sebastian Strangio
Despite slashing a tariff on imported rice last year, retail prices of the staple remain stubbornly high.

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