New Powers in Southeast Asia: Geopolitical Competition Southeast Asia has emerged as a stage for dynamic geopolitical competition, attracting the attention of global powers such as the United States, China, and Russia. The region offers abundant natural resources, strategic trade routes, and a large population, making it an important area in the international order. In this context, several key factors create complex competition among various countries and powers. First, Southeast Asia’s strategic geographical position makes it a vital trade route. The Strait of Malacca, as one of the busiest sea routes in the world, connects the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore have a crucial role in securing this route. Control of this route has attracted the attention of major countries, especially China, which wants to expand its influence through the Belt and Road Initiative. Second, rapid economic growth in Southeast Asia also attracts foreign investment. Countries such as Vietnam and Thailand are becoming global industrial centers thanks to lower labor costs and pro-business policies. Tensions between great powers often center on economic dominance. For example, the trade war between the United States and China is pushing companies to look to alternative locations such as Vietnam, strengthening Hanoi’s position on the global stage. Third, maritime issues are another important factor. Disputes in the South China Sea involving ASEAN countries and China add to the complexity of the situation. Many ASEAN countries, such as the Philippines and Vietnam, are trying to defend their rights to maritime resources amid aggressive claims from Beijing. In this case, alliances with countries such as the United States are important for these countries to guarantee their maritime security. Fourth, the shift in global power is associated with the rise of nationalism in various countries in Southeast Asia. Anti-foreign sentiment is rising amid concerns about the economy’s over-dependence on outside powers. Countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia are trying to strengthen economic independence and increase their role in regional organizations such as ASEAN to overcome common challenges. Fifth, the influence of technology and cyber warfare is also increasingly prominent. In the digital era, mastering information technology opens up new opportunities, but also carries the risk of threats from cyber attacks. Countries in Southeast Asia are starting to build capacity to protect their critical infrastructure. Cooperation between countries in the field of cyber security is becoming increasingly important to respond to external threats. Diplomatic strategies such as multilateral diplomacy and free trade agreements are also important tools in strengthening the position of countries in Southeast Asia. ASEAN acts as a platform to resolve disputes and reach consensus between different parties. Issues such as climate change, energy security and free trade are increasingly becoming the focus of discussion within the framework of regional cooperation. Seeing the dynamics that are occurring, Southeast Asia will continue to be an important arena for determining the world geopolitical order. Countries in the region need to develop a balanced approach to safeguard their sovereignty and interests while avoiding entering into great power competition. New powers in Southeast Asia are giving birth to a complex and multifaceted geopolitical reality, demanding world attention to observe the evolution that is taking place.