Our Team - Center for Global South and Public Diplomacy

Introduction

CGSPD brings together research experts spanning Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, China and beyond. Drawing on diverse academic backgrounds and on-the-ground regional experience, our scholars conduct rigorous, independent research covering Indo-Pacific geopolitics, maritime security, public diplomacy and great-power competition. Through cross-border intellectual exchange, we deliver balanced, forward-looking analysis to advance understanding of critical issues shaping Southeast Asia and the Global South.

Senior Research Fellow

Do Thi Thu Hien

She is a Research Fellow at the East Sea Institute, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam. Her research covers international security, geopolitics and maritime law. She examines great-power competition and its impacts on Southeast Asia and Vietnam’s foreign policy.

Le Hoang Kiet

He is a researcher and PhD candidate at the Faculty of Politics and International Studies, USSH, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. His research covers great-power rivalry, the Belt and Road Initiative, ASEAN regional and maritime security, and geopolitical shocks.

Hanh Nguyen

She is a strategic analyst and PhD Scholar at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University. Her research covers the economic-security nexus, supply chain diplomacy, Vietnam’s foreign policy and South China Sea maritime security. She holds research fellowships at YCAPS, La Trobe Asia and Pacific Forum.

Non-resident Senior Research Fellow

Dr. Jittipat Poonkham

He is an Associate Professor of International Relations and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the Faculty of Political Science at Thammasat University, Bangkok. He specializes in Thai foreign policy, grand strategy, and the geopolitics of great powers in Southeast Asia.

Dr. Aristyo Rizka Darmawan

Dr. Aristyo Rizka Darmawan is a Lecturer in International Law at the Universitas Indonesia, focusing heavily on maritime security, geopolitics, and ocean governance in Southeast Asia. He specializes in the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and explores its practical application within ASEAN's overlapping territorial claims.

Dr. Wen Yao

He is an Associate Professor at Fudan University's Center for American Studies and the Institute of International Studies. His core research expertise includes international relations in Southeast Asia, great power politics, and transnational party politics.

Senior Research Consultant

Rabi Banerjee

Rabi Banerjee is a India-based research consultant with 23 years of extensive journalism experience. His core research covers Indian politics, economy, national security and India’s ties with neighboring nations including China, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar.

Dr. Jörn Dosch

Dr. Jörn Dosch is the Chair of International Politics and Development Cooperation, and Dean of the Faculty for Economic and Social Sciences at the University of Rostock in Germany. His research extensively tracks Vietnam’s foreign policy, assessing how Hanoi navigates trade treaties and regional institutions.