ASEAN Policy Leaders View U.S. Leadership Under Trump as a Top Geopolitical Concern

Share of responses from people in a position to inform or influence policy from ASEAN countries in a survey conducted from January to February 2026

“Which of the following current geopolitical events are the top concerns for the government in your country? (Choose three responses)”

A table that lists top geopolitical concerns for Southeast Asian countries, based on survey of opinion leaders. The top three concerns for 2026 are U.S. leadership under Trump, global scam centers, and aggression in the South China Sea.

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Note: This survey was conducted prior to the United States and Israel’s joint attack on Iran on February 28, 2026. Respondents include people in academia, think-tankers, or researchers, private sector representatives, civil society, NGO, or media representatives, government officials, and regional or international organizations personnel.

Source: ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute