Change and continuity mark Southeast Asia

Leaders of four countries in region set to bring own governance style as well as build on gains of predecessors

The paradox of change and continuity has marked the year 2024 for the Southeast Asian region. While the new leaders in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore are expected to bring in their own ideas and governance style during their incumbency, they are also seen to be championing the gains of their predecessors.

Analysts said this applies to their domestic politics and respective foreign policies. The four leaders — like most leaders of the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations — adhere to nonalignment, focus on expanding trade and investments, and balance their relations with major powers as they tread a more challenging geopolitical situation.

"The degree of policy continuity or adjustment by new leadership in four ASEAN members will bear on the region," said Lucio Blanco Pitlo III, research fellow at the Manila-based Asia-Pacific Pathways to Progress Foundation. But Pitlo said greater uncertainty in international affairs and gains made by the previous administration may discourage new leaders from pursuing policies that are too disruptive.